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The 2026 World Cup draw took place at the Kennedy Center, featuring entertainment, political figures, and star-studded moments. The event announced the 12 groups for the expanded 48-team tournament, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, with notable attendance by President Trump and other leaders.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has been finalized, revealing group placements for 48 teams across North America. Key details include host country allocations, seedings, and match schedules, with the tournament set to begin on June 11, 2026, in Canada, Mexico, and the US. The draw determines group compositions and knockout matchups.
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On October 30, 2025, the Trump administration set the US refugee admissions ceiling at 7,500 for fiscal year 2026, a historic low compared to Biden's 125,000. Priority is given to white Afrikaners from South Africa, citing humanitarian concerns. The move has drawn criticism from South Africa's government and refugee advocates, who reject claims of 'white genocide' and warn of humanitarian consequences.
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Babar Azam surpassed Rohit Sharma to become the top scorer in men's T20 Internationals during Pakistan's win over South Africa on October 31, 2025. The milestone marks a significant achievement after a period of recent struggles, with Azam now leading the world with 4,234 runs in 123 innings.
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Cory Kapahulehua, 44, was sentenced to 187 years in prison after being convicted of abusing two students he taught at a Mesa school. The abuse began in 2021 and continued until his arrest in 2023. He was convicted of 17 child sex abuse and rape charges.
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South Africa's G20 presidency led to a largely successful summit, with 19 countries signing a declaration on issues like climate, debt relief, and inequality, despite US opposition and President Trump's absence. The summit highlighted African leadership and multilateral cooperation amid global tensions.
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President Biden's administration has capped refugee admissions at 7,500, the lowest since 1980, sharply reducing numbers and marking a shift from previous bipartisan support. The policy notably prioritizes white South Africans, including Afrikaners, amid ongoing debates over immigration and refugee priorities.
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India's women's cricket team won their first-ever World Cup on Sunday, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in Navi Mumbai. The victory is seen as a historic moment that could boost gender equality in Indian sports, with increased investment and visibility for women’s cricket. The win has inspired young girls and signaled potential long-term change.
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As global wealth inequality worsens, South Africa's G20 presidency highlights the need for international measures. A report shows the richest 1% captured 41% of new wealth since 2000, prompting calls for a permanent inequality monitoring body. Leaders are urged to address this pressing issue today.
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On November 6, 2025, Somali pirates attacked and seized the Malta-flagged tanker Hellas Aphrodite in the Indian Ocean, over 1,000 km off Somalia’s coast. The 24 crew members locked themselves safely in the ship’s citadel. The pirates, armed with machine guns and RPGs, reportedly operate from a hijacked Iranian fishing boat. EU naval forces are responding amid rising piracy linked to regional instability.
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As of November 2025, over 1,400 Africans from 36 countries, including Kenya and South Africa, have been recruited by Russia to fight in Ukraine under false pretenses. Many are deceived with promises of jobs, coerced into signing military contracts, and sent to deadly frontline assaults. South Africa is investigating 17 citizens trapped in Ukraine, while Ukraine urges recruits to desert and seek prisoner-of-war status.
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African startups face exit challenges due to limited liquidity and rare IPOs, leading to reliance on trade sales. Experts call for reforms like growth IPO lanes and secondary markets to improve investor confidence and foster local wealth creation. Recent listings, including Optasia in South Africa, highlight progress.
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Despite low unemployment rates, many Americans face prolonged joblessness, with over a quarter unemployed for more than six months. Experts highlight emotional and economic tolls, as companies hesitate to hire amid economic uncertainty and layoffs increase. The situation signals a bifurcated labor market with lasting impacts.
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As of November 27, 2025, the US has boycotted the G20 summit in Johannesburg, citing unsubstantiated claims of persecution against white Afrikaners and land confiscation. South Africa, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, condemned the boycott as based on misinformation and confirmed its full G20 membership. Despite US absence, the summit proceeded with a declaration addressing global challenges, supported by most members except the US and Argentina.
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The UK has pledged £850 million to the Global Fund for 2026-28, a 15% reduction from previous commitments, amid broader aid cuts. This move risks reversing progress in fighting AIDS, TB, and malaria, potentially causing hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths and weakening health systems worldwide.
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African nations are making strides in vaccine development and manufacturing. South Africa begins clinical trials for a locally produced cholera vaccine, aiming for approval by 2028. Meanwhile, Nigeria progresses with a Lassa fever vaccine, addressing regional health needs and reducing dependency on imports.
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The UN climate talks in Belém, Brazil, are focusing on climate finance and fossil fuel phase-out. Recent reports confirm renewables will grow faster than any other energy source, making the transition away from fossil fuels inevitable despite political setbacks. The talks highlight the economic and geopolitical implications of this shift.
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Recent reports highlight rising e-waste and food waste globally, with Australia producing 580,000 tonnes of e-waste annually. Innovations like recycling programs and waste tracking aim to reduce environmental impact. Meanwhile, African nations focus on trade, resilient supply chains, and sustainable farming to improve food security amid global challenges. Sun, 16 Nov 2025 00:02:25 +0000
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As COP30 in Belém nears its conclusion, negotiations stall over a fossil fuel roadmap, with key countries rejecting the proposal. The summit highlights the ongoing global struggle to balance climate action with economic interests, amid disagreements over climate finance and the US absence. The outcome will influence future climate policies.
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Leading economists and former officials have called for a new international body to address rising inequality and its impact on democracy. The appeal comes ahead of the G20 summit in South Africa, where a report highlights a surge in wealth concentration and food insecurity worldwide.
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On November 14, 2025, 153 Palestinians fled Gaza via a chartered flight from Israel through Kenya to Johannesburg. Initially denied entry due to missing Israeli exit stamps and unclear travel plans, 130 were later admitted after the NGO Gift of the Givers offered accommodation. The flights were organised by Al-Majd Europe, linked to an Israeli-Estonian operator and Israeli military facilitation, sparking concerns over forced displacement amid Gaza's conflict.
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Between November 21-23, 2025, armed bandits abducted over 250 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary's Catholic School in Niger State, Nigeria. This follows a recent kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State. Nigerian security forces, including military and local hunters, are actively searching for the victims amid escalating insecurity in northern Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu postponed foreign trips to address the crisis.
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As of December 1, 2025, Airbus has completed software updates on the vast majority of its 6,000 affected A320-family jets worldwide following a recall triggered by a JetBlue flight incident in late October. The fix, primarily a rollback to earlier software versions, addresses data corruption caused by intense solar radiation affecting flight controls. Most aircraft are back in service, with fewer than 100 still pending updates.
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Recent flights of Palestinians from Gaza to South Africa have raised suspicions. South African authorities are probing the flights, linked to a secretive Estonian-Israeli company, amid accusations of an Israeli-led campaign to relocate Palestinians. The flights occurred without proper documentation, prompting official investigations and regional concern.
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China is increasing its investment and influence in Zambia through infrastructure projects and debt, amid competition with the US and Europe for access to critical minerals vital for renewable energy and technology. Li Qiang's visit aims to deepen China's presence in Zambia's mining sector.
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The upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg is impacted by the US and China boycotts. The US is withdrawing over South Africa's stance on racial policies, while China is reducing travel. South Africa aims to highlight global issues like climate change, debt, and inequality despite these absences.
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Recent UN reports highlight persistent and worsening violence against women worldwide, with femicide and digital abuse increasing. Despite awareness efforts, funding remains critically underallocated, and violence remains deeply rooted in social and digital spheres, affecting millions across regions.
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Leaders gather in South Africa for the G20 summit, where 19 countries signed a declaration on global issues, including renewable energy and debt relief. The US boycotted, citing disagreements. South Africa's presidency led to a consensus, amid global conflicts and economic challenges.
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South Africans staged a nationwide protest against gender-based violence and femicide, coinciding with the G20 summit. The government declared gender violence a national disaster after protests demanding action, highlighting the ongoing crisis despite legal frameworks and law changes.
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The U.S. proposes a 28-point peace plan endorsing Russian demands, prompting mixed reactions from Ukraine and European allies. Zelensky warns of a tough choice between sovereignty and support, while Russia signals possible objections. The plan's implications could reshape ongoing negotiations and regional stability.
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The G20 summit in South Africa concluded with tensions over the presidency handover, as the U.S. boycotted the event citing alleged anti-white policies. Despite this, the summit highlighted issues like global inequality, debt relief, climate resilience, and regional trade, emphasizing South Africa's focus on inclusive development for the Global South.
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President Trump boycotted the G20 summit hosted by South Africa, citing claims of white persecution. South Africa pushed for a declaration on global issues, but US opposition hindered consensus. The summit focused on climate, development, and inequality, with US and South Africa at odds.
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Western officials, including EU and US representatives, have expressed skepticism about a US-led peace plan for Ukraine. They emphasize the need for Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and European integration, while highlighting major flaws in the proposed agreement. The plan's future remains uncertain.
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BHP has ended its attempt to acquire Anglo American after being rebuffed, focusing on its own growth. Meanwhile, Anglo prepares to merge with Teck Resources in a deal valued at $53 billion, with shareholder votes scheduled for December 9. The move signals a shift in the mining sector's consolidation efforts.
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Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a South African opposition MP, resigned after police announced an investigation into her alleged role in recruiting South Africans to fight in Ukraine for Russian mercenaries. The move follows accusations from her half-sister and ongoing efforts to repatriate the men trapped in Ukraine. The investigation is ongoing as of December 2, 2025.
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On December 4, 2025, the US and Kenya signed a $2.5 billion, five-year health agreement replacing previous USAID programs dismantled earlier this year. Kenya will increase domestic health spending by $850 million. Meanwhile, US-South Africa relations remain strained after the US boycotted the recent G20 summit in Johannesburg, citing unsubstantiated claims of white farmer persecution and refusing to recognize South Africa's G20 presidency transfer.
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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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Russia announced the capture of Pokrovsk, a strategic city in eastern Ukraine, amid ongoing fighting. Ukraine denies full control, and the situation reflects Russia's slow territorial gains in the Donbas. Peace talks are ongoing, with US envoy visits coinciding with the claims.