In other news

A British man, Ashraf Qarmar Parvez, 68, was shot and killed during a robbery in Tema, Ghana. The incident occurred when Parvez tried to stop a thief attempting to steal his phone at a drinking spot. The police are investigating and searching for the shooter and five other suspects who fled on motorbikes. The UK Foreign Office is supporting Parvez's family. The incident has raised security concerns in Tema, but local police say it was a rare incident.

Iran, particularly its capital Tehran, is experiencing an unprecedented drought with record-low rainfall and nearly empty reservoirs. Officials are urging citizens to conserve water as the crisis deepens, with President Masoud Pezeshkian warning of potential rationing and even evacuation if there's no significant rainfall soon. The water crisis is affecting daily life, with residents planning to buy water tankers and experiencing water cuts. The situation is dire, with dams holding less than 10% of their capacity. The government is pinning hopes on late autumn rain, but forecasts are bleak. The crisis extends beyond Tehran, with other provinces also facing worrying water levels. Iran's water crisis has been decades in the making, with little change despite warnings from the Supreme Leader.

A 15-year-old boy named Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux was revealed as the 'fedora man' in a viral picture taken outside the Louvre museum after a heist. Pedro, a fan of detective stories, had visited the area with his family but found the museum closed due to the theft. He was photographed by an Associated Press (AP) photographer and later discovered that the image had gone viral on social media, appearing in various news outlets including The New York Times. Pedro explained that he dressed in his distinctive outfit, which included a fedora and waistcoat, because he liked to be 'chic' and was inspired by 20th-century statesmen and fictional detectives. The Louvre heist occurred when thieves stole French crown jewels, and four people were subsequently arrested and charged. The Louvre's director later admitted that the museum's CCTV security was inadequate.

Protesters stormed Nigeria's new Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) in Benin City, Edo state, forcing the cancellation of a preview event ahead of its grand opening. The protesters, who appeared to be angry over the control of the Benin Bronzes, insulted foreign guests and ordered them to leave. The museum, designed by David Adjaye, cost $25m to build and features state-of-the-art preservation and restoration facilities. The dispute over the Benin Bronzes, looted by British soldiers in the 19th century, has been ongoing, with the museum's backers wanting it to serve a wider purpose beyond Nigeria. The museum has apologized for the inconvenience and advised visitors to avoid the campus until the situation is resolved.

The article discusses the upcoming trial of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, on terrorism-related charges. The charges stem from social media posts she made during deadly protests in 2021, which prosecutors allege incited violence and terrorism. Zuma-Sambudla denies the charges, and her lawyer describes the state's case as 'weak.' The trial is seen as a test for the state's legal team and is highly politicized due to her father's opposition to the current government. Experts question the delay in charging her and the likelihood of a successful prosecution.

The BBC's Joe Tidy interviews Vyacheslav Penchukov, a notorious cyber-crime kingpin known as 'Tank', in a Colorado prison. Penchukov, a Ukrainian national, led two separate cyber-crime gangs and was on the FBI's Most Wanted list for nearly a decade. He discusses his rise to prominence in the cyber-underworld, his involvement in various cyber-crime activities, including bank account theft and ransomware attacks, and his eventual arrest in 2022. Penchukov provides insight into the inner workings of these gangs and the mindset of their members.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has admitted that two Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, were arrested and detained in Uganda for five weeks before being released. The activists were supporting Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine during a political event when they were abducted by masked men. Museveni described them as 'experts in riots' and said they were 'put in the fridge for some days'. The release followed diplomatic engagement between Kenya and Uganda, with Kenyan leaders intervening on their behalf. The incident has sparked concerns about human rights abuses and the treatment of opposition supporters in Uganda.

The UK is providing military support to Belgium after a series of suspected Russian drone incursions into its airspace. The UK's Chief of Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, confirmed that equipment and personnel are being deployed to assist Belgium. The incursions have disrupted air travel, with Brussels Airport being temporarily closed. Russia has denied accusations of conducting 'hybrid warfare' on allies of Ukraine. The UK, along with other NATO allies, is working to strengthen its defenses against such threats. The incident is part of a larger pattern of drone incursions across several NATO nations, including Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Germany.

China has made a technological breakthrough in inflatable, reconfigurable space module technology, joining the US in the race to build large-scale industrial production lines in orbit. The Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Mechanics has developed a 'reconfigurable flexible in-orbit manufacturing platform' that can be compactly folded during launch and inflated in orbit to form a vast operational habitat. This technology is expected to propel China's space manufacturing from 'concept verification' to 'engineering realisation', enabling the production of biopharmaceuticals, 3D-printed products, and new materials in space.

Chad is reviving its oil industry by partnering with China and the UAE after Western oil majors exited the country. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is leading the effort to double Chad's oil output to 300,000 barrels per day. Chad's government is counting on Chinese investment to expand existing oil fields and build a second refinery. The move is part of a diplomatic pivot towards Beijing, with Chad's secretary of state for petroleum praising China as a key partner.

The China-US trade rivalry is expected to persist for the next 50 years, according to Pascal Lamy, former head of the World Trade Organization. Lamy warned businesses to plan for the long term as supply chains and critical industries face mounting risks due to the rivalry shifting from trade to the weaponization of strategic sectors and supply chains. Despite a recent trade truce between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Lamy believes that the geostrategic competition between the two nations will not abate. The rivalry is driven by both countries' ambitions to be the top global power and their perception of each other as a threat. Lamy noted that a broader trend has emerged beyond Trump's tariffs, including decoupling and weaponizing strategic sectors where there is comparative advantage.

The South China Morning Post article summarizes five news stories from the weekend of November 9-10, 2025. The stories include Chinese President Xi Jinping opening the National Games, Beijing protesting Taiwan's vice leader's speech at the European Parliament, and the EU reaching an agreement with China to unblock the flow of Nexperia chips. The article also mentions Chinese tourists visiting Singapore. The National Games are a significant event in China, and the article provides a roundup of various news stories related to the event and other regional developments.

The 2025 National Games opening ceremony featured a giant, floating mythical fish puppet that captivated the live audience and television viewers. The puppet was part of a colorful performance that kick-started the 13-day quadrennial event at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Centre. Spectators praised the puppet's lifelike appearance and realistic movements, comparing it to computer-generated special effects. The mythical fish is a significant symbol in southern Chinese folklore, often seen on building roofs and believed to be auspicious. The ceremony also included performances by Hong Kong pop stars and the lighting of the game's cauldron.

The Guangdong province in China launched a massive consumer subsidy program worth 3.5 billion yuan to boost domestic spending and revitalize its economy. However, the scheme has received a lukewarm response from consumers who remain cautious due to economic uncertainty and a shaky job market. Despite the large sum pledged, the vouchers often did not provide attractive discounts, and locals were not convinced to increase their spending, especially on non-essential items. The lack of enthusiasm highlights the challenges facing Guangdong, a technology and export powerhouse, as it tries to revive its economy amid the US trade war and a prolonged property downturn.

Chinese chemists have made a breakthrough in solving a 140-year-old chemistry problem, potentially revolutionizing the production of cancer treatments and other medicinal compounds. The research team, led by Zhang Xiaheng and Xue Xiaosong, has developed a straightforward alternative to the traditional complex and expensive method used to synthesize drugs and pesticides from amines. The new approach overcomes issues such as the risk of explosions and promises to make production safer and more affordable. The research has been hailed as a 'tour de force' by Scott Bagley, a senior principal scientist at Pfizer, and some in China's chemical research community consider it 'Nobel Prize level'.

The BBC's Director-General Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness have resigned amid controversy over the broadcaster's editing of a speech by former US President Donald Trump. The editing was criticized for being misleading and omitting a section where Trump called for peaceful demonstration. The controversy has sparked accusations of bias against the BBC, which is funded by a license fee and bound by a charter to be impartial. The resignations come as the BBC faces scrutiny over its coverage of various issues, including transgender issues and alleged anti-Israel bias.

A prison riot in Ecuador's Machala prison has resulted in 4 deaths and over 30 injuries. The riot occurred as inmates were being reorganized to a new maximum-security prison. This incident is the latest in a series of violent prison riots in Ecuador, which have been linked to gang activity and overcrowding. The country's prisons have become among the deadliest in Latin America due to corruption, weak state control, and the influence of drug traffickers. Over 500 people have died in prison riots since 2021.

A powerful tornado hit the southern Brazilian state of Parana on Friday night, killing at least 6 people and injuring over 400. The tornado destroyed dozens of homes in Rio Bonito do Iguacu and Guarapuava, prompting the government to declare an emergency. The death toll includes five adults and a 14-year-old girl, with at least one person still missing. The government has dispatched emergency assistance, including food, hygiene products, and medical care. The state's governor has declared three days of mourning to honor the dead.

Spanish police have arrested 13 suspected members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua across five cities in Spain, seizing a stash of illegal drugs and dismantling two drug laboratories. The arrests followed an investigation opened last year after the brother of the gang's leader was arrested in Barcelona. The Tren de Aragua gang originated in Venezuela over a decade ago and has expanded to other countries as Venezuelans fled economic turmoil. The gang has been a target of the Trump administration's crackdown on alleged drug smugglers, with President Trump designating it as a terrorist organization. The US has carried out deadly strikes on boats suspected of trafficking narcotics in the Caribbean Sea, killing at least 70 people.

The US will boycott the G20 summit in South Africa this year, with no government officials attending, due to President Trump's claims of human rights abuses against Afrikaners. Trump repeated his assertion that white farmers in South Africa are being killed and their land confiscated. South Africa's foreign ministry responded, calling Trump's comments 'regrettable' and stating that the characterization of Afrikaners as exclusively white is 'ahistorical.' The summit's theme is 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.' The Trump administration has long accused South Africa of persecuting minority white Afrikaner farmers. South Africa's president has denied these claims, stating that information about discrimination is 'completely false.'

China has suspended some export restrictions on critical minerals and rare earth materials to the United States as part of a trade truce between the two countries. The move follows talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, on Oct. 30. The suspended restrictions include limits on the export of certain rare earth elements, lithium battery materials, and processing technologies. China has also reversed retaliatory curbs on exports of gallium, germanium, antimony, and other super-hard materials. The easing of export restrictions signals progress in the trade truce, with the U.S. agreeing to lower tariffs on Chinese imports and suspending heightened 'reciprocal tariffs' on Chinese imports until Nov. 10, 2026.

Millennials are increasingly investing in alternative assets such as private equity, venture capital, and real estate, with these investments now making up about 20% of their portfolios. According to Goldman Sachs Asset Management data, this is a significantly higher proportion than for Gen X and Boomers. The trend is driven by millennials' desire to tap into growth opportunities, particularly in tech and healthcare, and their comfort with riskier assets. Experts attribute this shift to millennials' entrepreneurial nature and their experience growing up during periods of economic upheaval. However, some warn that more work is needed to educate millennials on alternative investments and that there is a risk of mispackaging products for retail investors.

Shares of Wingtech Technology, the parent company of chipmaker Nexperia, rose 6.2% on Monday after Beijing signaled a potential thaw in tensions with the Netherlands. The Chinese Commerce Ministry allowed exports of certain chips from Nexperia's China facility, and agreed to further talks with a Dutch delegation. The move follows a dispute over the Dutch government's seizure of Nexperia on security concerns, which led to Beijing blocking exports from the company's Chinese facility and raised worries of a global chip shortage. The development eased concerns among automakers, who had warned of production risks and set up 'war rooms' to mitigate disruptions. However, analysts warned that the relief may be temporary as the core dispute remains unresolved.

A federal appeals court in Boston has rejected a second request by the Trump administration to block a lower court judge's order to pay 42 million Americans their full SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. The order remains paused due to a prior Supreme Court ruling until at least Tuesday night, giving the administration time to return to the Supreme Court and ask for a permanent stay. The ruling came after the U.S. Department of Agriculture threatened states with financial penalties if they did not 'undo' full benefits payments made since Friday. The case revolves around the administration's decision to break decades of precedent by not paying SNAP benefits in November due to the lack of appropriated funds.

Military families living in base housing at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida were ordered to remove their Christmas decorations by Balfour Beatty Communities, the privatized housing management company, for violating community standards by displaying them too early. The company allows decorations 30 days before a holiday, and Capt. Justin Davidson-Beebe confirmed that the policy is part of the legally binding lease agreement. Troops and veterans mocked the decision on social media, calling it overly restrictive.

The article criticizes Michelle Obama for portraying herself as a victim while promoting her new book, 'The Look.' The author, Miranda Devine, argues that Michelle Obama's complaints about her time in the White House are absurd and hypocritical, given her privileged position. The article compares her experiences to those of other First Ladies, such as Melania Trump, who faced harsh criticism and scrutiny. The author suggests that Michelle Obama's whining is a fad among entitled leftist women to distract from their privilege. The article also touches on the Democratic Party's shift towards socialism and the potential consequences for its leaders, such as Nancy Pelosi.

Former US President Donald Trump has pardoned 77 individuals involved in the 2020 'fake electors' scheme, including his allies Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, and John Eastman. The pardons, announced on November 10, 2025, are largely symbolic as none of the individuals were charged at the federal level. The scheme involved organizing alternate slates of electors from battleground states won by Joe Biden to keep Trump in office. The pardons are seen as a continuation of Trump's efforts to clear the names of those involved in his 2020 election campaign.

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase was indicted on Sunday along with fellow pitcher Luis Ortiz for allegedly participating in an illegal sports betting scheme. Prosecutors claim that Clase and Ortiz agreed to throw specific pitches in MLB games, which their co-conspirators would then use to place fraudulent bets. However, on May 28, 2025, Clase's plan went awry when a batter swung at a pitch that was allegedly thrown out of the strike zone on purpose. The indictment alleges that Clase and the bettors lost approximately $4,000 on the wager. Clase and Ortiz face charges including wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy. Both players have been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave and deny any wrongdoing.

The Abraham Accords, a normalization agreement between Israel and several Arab countries, is expected to expand with Kazakhstan as a new member. US officials confirmed that Kazakhstan will join the accords, which currently include the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco. The development is seen as a step towards peace and cooperation in the region, and a sign that more countries want to normalize ties with Israel.

Iran's plot to assassinate Israel's ambassador to Mexico was thwarted, according to officials. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was allegedly behind the plot, which was neutralized with the help of Mexican security services. This incident is part of a larger pattern of Iran's global lethal targeting of diplomats, journalists, and dissidents. Israel's foreign ministry thanked Mexico for thwarting the terrorist network and vowed to continue working with international security agencies to counter Iranian threats. The U.S. official noted that this plot is just one of many instances of Iran's aggressive behavior, which should concern countries with Iranian presence.

Iran is facing its worst drought in decades, raising concerns about potential evacuations in Tehran and threatening the regime's stability and nuclear ambitions. Kaveh Madani, Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, warns that Iran's 'water bankruptcy' will weaken its position globally and impact its ability to function. The crisis is attributed to decades of mismanagement, prolonged drought, and climate change. Madani cautions that the collapse of basic infrastructure could spark wider unrest and impact Iran's energy and nuclear infrastructure.

Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted sex trafficker, has had her emails leaked from a minimum-security prison in Texas where she is serving a 20-year sentence. The emails reveal that Maxwell is 'much, much happier' in her new prison, Federal Prison Camp Bryan, compared to her previous facility. Critics have accused Maxwell of receiving 'VIP treatment' due to reported perks such as meals being sent to her dormitory room and late-night workouts. Maxwell's lawyer and brother have criticized the leaking of her private emails, calling it 'tabloid behaviour'. Maxwell's case has sparked controversy and protests in the town where the prison is located. The leak comes as Maxwell's attempts to appeal her sentence have been rejected by the Supreme Court, leaving a presidential pardon as her best chance at being freed before her projected release date in 2037.

Madagascar's new president, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has denied that his ascension to power was a coup, stating it was a response to the people's demand for change. He took office after his military unit joined Gen Z protesters, who were demonstrating against the previous government led by Andry Rajoelina. The protests resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries. Randrianirina has promised elections in 18-24 months after a 'refoundation and recovery' process. Gen Z organizers are cautiously optimistic, fearing he might become another strongman. The African Union and UN have condemned the military takeover, while France's President Emmanuel Macron has congratulated Randrianirina.

The UK is deploying a specialist Royal Air Force (RAF) team to Belgium to help defend against 'rogue' drones. The team is equipped with technology to track and take down unmanned aerial systems. The drone sightings have caused disruptions to Belgium's main airport and military bases, with suspicions of a potential link to Russia. The RAF team is trained to combat drones and will work with Belgian forces to address the issue. The deployment is seen as a demonstration of the UK's commitment to its NATO allies and collective defense.

The article discusses South Korea's rise to becoming a global beauty powerhouse, driven by the success of K-beauty products featuring unique ingredients and technological breakthroughs. Amorepacific, a South Korean beauty conglomerate, is at the forefront of this trend, with its brands such as Laneige and Sulwhasoo gaining popularity worldwide. The company's chairman, Suh Kyungbae, attributes the success to the country's cultural wave, known as 'Hallyu,' which has helped to promote Korean beauty products globally. South Korea has become the world's second-largest cosmetics exporter, with exports surging 15% in the first half of 2025.

The article discusses the impact of the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) payment disruption on residents in Alaska and Hawaii, the two states with the highest food costs in the US. Many recipients have been facing uncertainty and food insecurity, with some having to ration their food or rely on food banks. The states have taken steps to mitigate the effects, but the situation remains uncertain. The article highlights the struggles of individuals and families who rely on SNAP benefits, including Irene Edwards, Julia Sativas, Sylvia Geraghty, and Katherine du Plessis, who share their experiences of coping with the payment disruption.

A New Zealand man known as 'Gandalf' has been charged with cultivating and selling cannabis, despite supplying it to hundreds of patients in need, many of whom have testified to its medicinal benefits. Paul Smith, a 66-year-old self-described 'old-school hippie', had been growing cannabis for years and supplying it to those suffering from various ailments, including cancer, epilepsy, and arthritis. Although New Zealand legalized medical marijuana in 2020, the regulations are stringent, and many patients find it difficult to access the drug through official channels. Smith's case has sparked outrage among marijuana advocates and patients, who argue that he is being persecuted for providing a vital service. Supporters have staged rallies and raised funds for his defense, with many calling for the charges to be dropped.

The Fontainebleau forest in France is serving as a 'laboratory' for climate change adaptation. The forest, one of the world's first nature reserves, has been impacted by the climate crisis, with many trees dying due to heatwaves and drought. The National Forestry Office (ONF) is implementing measures to adapt the forest to a warming world, including diversifying tree species and planting new seedlings. The foresters are using a 'mosaic forest' approach, creating a patchwork of different ecosystems to increase resilience. The ONF is also monitoring the forest's health and tracking fires using drones.

The article discusses Kazakhstan's unexpected journey towards the Abraham Accords, a normalization agreement between Israel and several Arab states. Despite being a Central Asian country with no historical Arab-Israeli conflict, Kazakhstan has maintained formal ties with Israel since 1992. The article explores the country's unique position and its potential implications.