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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has outlined plans for modest tax cuts, deregulation, and a focus on becoming a pro-business government. The party aims to remove inheritance tax from family farms, raise tax thresholds, and reassess public sector benefits, amid concerns over economic stability and Brexit's impact. The proposals face criticism from Labour and Conservatives.
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Morocco's U-20 team won their first-ever FIFA World Cup, defeating Argentina 2-0 in Chile. The victory marks a historic achievement for Arab and African football, with Morocco also hosting a refugee women's team supported by FIFA amid ongoing restrictions in Afghanistan.
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Daylight saving time ends this weekend in many regions, with clocks set back an hour. New Stanford research supports adopting permanent standard time, citing health benefits linked to circadian rhythm alignment. The change impacts sleep, health, and international coordination, especially between Europe, North America, and Israel.
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Multiple companies are advancing AI-driven automation across sectors. Vercel automates sales, CyDeploy creates digital twins for testing, and Saudi Arabia develops Humain OS to replace traditional systems. These innovations signal a shift toward autonomous, AI-native infrastructure.
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LIV Golf announced it will extend its tournaments from 54 to 72 holes starting in 2026, aligning more with traditional golf formats. The change aims to improve recognition by the Official World Golf Ranking and enhance competition, with support from key players and officials. The move is part of LIV's broader strategy to challenge established tours.
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Hong Kong is set to host a new AIIB office, boosting its role as a regional financial hub. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank plans to open its second outside mainland China, leveraging Hong Kong's capital markets for infrastructure funding. Meanwhile, European firms and Middle Eastern investors are increasing their presence in the city.
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The UK government faces a complex budget ahead, balancing rearmament costs, economic recovery, and environmental protections. Labour criticizes Brexit's economic impact, while tensions with the EU over environmental standards threaten trade relations. The government aims to boost growth amid inflation and security concerns.
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Uber is advancing its autonomous vehicle plans, deploying Lucid-based robotaxis in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2026, and developing AI training gigs for drivers. The company emphasizes safety, profitability, and new job opportunities amid industry shifts toward automation.
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OPEC+ has agreed to increase December oil output by 137,000 barrels per day, pausing planned hikes for early 2026 due to sanctions on Russia and market concerns. The move aims to balance supply and prices amid geopolitical tensions and market uncertainty.
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On November 18, 2025, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met President Donald Trump at the White House to advance a U.S.-Saudi defense pact, including arms sales like F-35 jets, and discuss economic cooperation. Saudi Arabia remains firm that normalization with Israel hinges on a credible, time-bound pathway to Palestinian statehood. Meanwhile, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia are restoring commercial ties after years of strain.
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A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan, killing at least 27 and injuring nearly 1,000. It damaged homes, infrastructure, and the historic Blue Mosque. Aid efforts are ongoing, with Saudi Arabia providing relief. The disaster follows recent quakes and ongoing crises in the country.
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On November 7, 2025, Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreed to a US- and Arab-led proposal for a three-month humanitarian ceasefire amid a brutal two-year conflict with the Sudanese army. The RSF's acceptance follows its recent capture of El-Fasher, Darfur's last army stronghold, amid reports of mass killings and atrocities. The Sudanese army has yet to respond to the truce offer.
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The US is advancing a UN resolution to establish an international stabilization force in Gaza, aiming to oversee demilitarization, border security, and police training. The resolution follows a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with troop contributions under discussion. The vote is expected soon, with deployment possible by early 2026.
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The Biden administration is weighing a potential sale of up to 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move that could shift regional military balances and test Israel's qualitative military edge. The deal is under review, with final decisions pending approvals and congressional notification.
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Fighting in Sudan's Kordofan region worsened as the UN reports ongoing violence, including civilian casualties and mass displacement. The RSF prepares to attack el-Fasher, amid reports of atrocities and a humanitarian crisis affecting thousands. The situation remains volatile with no ceasefire in sight.
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Saudi Arabia's ambitious mega-projects, including The Line and NEOM, are experiencing delays and technical challenges. Construction halts, rising costs, and shifting priorities reflect economic pressures and technical hurdles, prompting a reassessment of the kingdom's diversification plans amid low oil prices and budget constraints.
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As of December 2025, major tech firms including HP, Amazon, Meta, and IBM are accelerating AI adoption, leading to thousands of job cuts and workforce shifts. HP plans to cut up to 6,000 jobs by 2028, citing AI-driven productivity gains. Meanwhile, AI-assisted "vibe coding" has been named Collins Dictionary's 2025 word of the year, reflecting a transformative shift in software development and workplace culture.
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Sudan's RSF has agreed to a US and Arab-backed humanitarian ceasefire amid ongoing clashes with the military. Despite the announcement, fighting continues in key regions like Darfur and Khartoum, with reports of violence, displacement, and international concern over potential atrocities. The situation remains volatile as negotiations continue.
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Saudi Arabia welcomed 115.9 million tourists in 2024, surpassing its Vision 2030 goal six years early. The kingdom is expanding its tourism infrastructure, including giga-projects and new airports, to attract more visitors and diversify its economy. Meanwhile, the Philippines and Egypt are also boosting tourism with new initiatives and investments.
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Kenyan women working in Saudi Arabia face abuse, exploitation, and legal barriers, especially those with children born outside marriage. Efforts by the Kenyan government have led to some repatriations, but many remain trapped due to lack of documentation and legal restrictions, highlighting ongoing migrant rights issues.
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Paramount Skydance is reportedly preparing a $71 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, involving sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. Denials have been issued, but reports of meetings with Middle Eastern officials suggest potential regional backing. The deal could reshape media ownership amid regulatory and political considerations.
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On November 18, 2025, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made his first U.S. visit since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Despite U.S. intelligence linking the prince to the murder, President Trump warmly welcomed him, announcing plans to sell F-35 jets and pursue economic and defense deals, while pressing for Saudi-Israel normalization.
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The US reaffirmed plans to sell up to 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia amid regional tensions and concerns over technology security. The deal, announced during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington, raises questions about regional military balance and Israel's qualitative military edge.
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A federal judge in San Francisco has issued a preliminary injunction preventing the US government from cutting or seeking payments from the University of California over allegations of allowing antisemitism and discrimination. The ruling highlights concerns over federal investigations used to silence opposing viewpoints and violate civil rights laws, emphasizing the importance of due process and free speech protections.
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As of November 24, 2025, Iran is pushing for a resumption of stalled nuclear negotiations with the U.S., using Saudi Arabia as a mediator amid fears of renewed Israeli strikes and economic strain. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is visiting France to urge compliance with IAEA obligations, while Tehran denies undeclared enrichment and insists on its right to peaceful nuclear energy.
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The US has agreed to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in regional military dynamics. Israel, the only Middle Eastern country with F-35s, opposes the sale, fearing it will erode its military edge. The deal is linked to broader regional diplomacy and US-Saudi relations.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with former President Trump, highlighting enduring strategic interests despite past controversies. The meeting signals continued close ties, with MBS positioning himself as a regional peacemaker and reformer, amid ongoing regional conflicts and economic challenges.
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A bus carrying 46 Indian pilgrims from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker overnight, resulting in 45 deaths and one survivor with injuries. The incident, one of the deadliest in recent years, has prompted condolences from Indian officials and ongoing rescue efforts.
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Multiple bidders, including Paramount Skydance, Netflix, and Comcast, are competing to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. Paramount Skydance is seen as the front-runner due to political ties and financial backing, but regulatory hurdles and political considerations could influence the outcome. The story is current as of Thu, 04 Dec 2025.
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On November 19, 2025, President Donald Trump announced plans to intervene in Sudan's civil war following a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has killed over 40,000 and displaced more than 14 million. Trump committed to working with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and other Middle Eastern partners to end atrocities and stabilize Sudan.
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Cristiano Ronaldo visited the White House on Nov 19, 2025, as part of US efforts to strengthen relations with Saudi Arabia. The visit coincides with Prince Mohammed bin Salman's first US trip since 2018 and US arms sales to Riyadh. Ronaldo's presence highlights Saudi's growing influence in sports and geopolitics.
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President Trump hosted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House, featuring a lavish welcome and discussions on military, economic, and regional issues. The visit included plans for significant Saudi investments in the US, sale of F-35 jets, and efforts to normalize relations with Israel, amid ongoing concerns over human rights and regional stability.
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The US and Saudi Arabia have formalized a multi-billion-dollar partnership covering nuclear energy, defense, and AI. President Trump approved a significant arms sale, including F-35 jets, amid ongoing regional diplomacy and a recent UN ceasefire resolution for Gaza. The agreements aim to strengthen strategic ties.
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President Biden hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House, marking his first visit since 2018. The event reignited debate over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with U.S. intelligence concluding bin Salman approved the operation, though he denied involvement. Biden's stance and the visit's implications remain contentious.
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President Trump announced that the US has designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, following a strategic defense agreement and new arms deals, including F-35 fighter jets and tanks. The move aims to strengthen regional security and economic ties, with implications for Middle East power dynamics.
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Saudi Arabia commits to investing $1 trillion in AI infrastructure, partnering with U.S. firms like Nvidia, AMD, and Cisco. Musk's xAI will deploy its chatbot Grok across the kingdom, aiming to turn Saudi Arabia into a major AI hub amid US export restrictions and regional ambitions.
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Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced a $1 trillion US investment, but the kingdom's Public Investment Fund faces cash shortages due to costly, delayed projects like Neom and others, raising questions about the country's economic ambitions.
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Saudi Arabia's cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, highlighted recent agreements with the US across defense, AI, nuclear energy, and investment sectors. The visit aimed to deepen strategic partnerships, with a focus on economic diversification, regional stability, and technological collaboration, including a new AI partnership and significant investment commitments.
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On November 22, 2025, the COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, concluded with a deal urging accelerated climate action and tripling adaptation finance by 2035. However, the agreement omitted a fossil fuel phase-out roadmap amid opposition from major oil producers, sparking criticism from many nations and climate advocates.
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The film adaptation of the Broadway musical 'Wicked: For Good' opened strongly, earning $150 million in North America and $226 million globally. Critics praise the performances of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, though some note a lack of cohesion with the first film. The movie is a major success for the industry as it approaches year-end.
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The Houthi-controlled court in Sanaa sentenced 17 individuals to death for espionage linked to US, Israeli, and Saudi intelligence. The verdict follows accusations of spying that allegedly led to attacks killing dozens. The sentences are appealable, amid ongoing tensions over Yemen's security and regional conflicts.
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The COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, concluded on 22 November 2025 with a compromised agreement after two weeks of tense negotiations. Despite support from over 80 countries for a fossil fuel phaseout plan, the final deal avoided explicit fossil fuel commitments, opting instead for voluntary initiatives and increased funding to help developing nations adapt to climate impacts. The summit exposed deep divisions between fossil fuel-dependent economies and others pushing for accelerated climate action.
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Amid ongoing conflict in Sudan, the RSF announced a unilateral three-month ceasefire following US and regional mediation efforts, but clashes continue. The Sudanese army rejected the proposals, citing bias and security concerns, as international actors push for peace amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.
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Saudi Arabia has relaxed alcohol sales for non-Muslim residents, expanding access beyond diplomats. Recent changes include allowing high-income expatriates to purchase alcohol at Riyadh's sole liquor store, as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's broader reforms to diversify the economy and attract foreign talent.
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Turkish authorities arrested three defence company executives on suspicion of spying for foreign powers, initially linking them to the UAE, but later removing that detail. The suspects are accused of attempting to share employee biographical data. Turkey's defence exports increased significantly in 2024, driven by military drone sales.
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South Africa reports a third consecutive quarter of GDP growth, driven by sectors like mining, trade, and agriculture. Despite structural challenges, the economy shows signs of recovery, with employment rising and key industries expanding, supported by ongoing reforms and energy improvements.
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A Japanese gardener who became a citizen shares insights on Japan's cultural significance, while Japan's political leadership emphasizes economic growth and international cooperation at key conferences, highlighting a focus on tradition and strategic global engagement.
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NASA is nearing key decisions on lunar rover contracts, with plans to fund a backup rover provider amid budget constraints. The agency is also progressing with private space station development, including projects from Voyager Technologies and others, to ensure continuity after the ISS's end of life in 2030.
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The Southern Transitional Council (STC) seized control of most of Hadramout, a resource-rich province in eastern Yemen, amid ongoing clashes with government forces. The move signals a potential shift toward Yemen's division, risking a renewed civil war. Negotiations are ongoing, but the situation remains volatile.