ASIA

AFGHANISTAN TO ATTEND COP29 UNDER TALIBAN RULE, PUSHING FOR CLIMATE TALKS DESPITE POLITICAL ISOLATION

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In a significant diplomatic development, Afghanistan will participate in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, marking the first Taliban-era representation at a major climate summit since 2021. Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi confirmed on Saturday that "a delegation of the Afghan government will be in Baku" for the conference, which begins November 11.

BANGLADESH TO PAY ADANI TO AVOID POWER SUPPLY CUT

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Bangladesh is adding up payments to Adani Power following a decision by the Indian conglomerate to reduce electricity supplies by 50%, allegedly due to an outstanding $800 million bill.

FORMER MALAYSIAN PM MUHYIDDIN YASSIN ORDERED TO PAY $300,000 IN DEFAMATION CASE

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Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has been dealt a legal setback after a Kuala Lumpur court ordered him to pay 1.35 million ringgit ($308,078) in damages for defaming former Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng. The ruling, issued by the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Friday, requires Muhyiddin to retract his defamatory statements against Lim and prohibits him from making similar claims in the future, according to state media.

POLLUTION HITS RECORD LEVEL IN PAKISTAN, SCHOOLS CLOSED

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Authorities in Lahore city in Pakistan have been forced to close schools after an unprecedented air pollution record. From Monday, 50% of office workers will also work from home, as part of a "green lockdown" plan. Other measures include bans on engine-powered rickshaws and vendors that barbecue without filters.

WHAT TRUMP'S WIN COULD MEAN FOR CHINA, THE MIDDLE EAST, AND NATO

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The election of Donald Trump as the next US president is poised to bring about significant shifts in American foreign policy, potentially upending the status quo on multiple fronts a

mid global crises. Trump's "America First" approach, marked by non-interventionism and trade protectionism, is set to redefine Washington's stance on issues ranging from the Russia-Ukraine war to the US-China rivalry.

JAPAN TO JAIL CYCLISTS USING PHONES WHILE CYCLING

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Under new regulations implemented on Friday, cyclists in Japan who use a mobile phone while riding may face a maximum jail time of six months.

Those who breach the revised road traffic law can be punished with a maximum sentence of six months in prison, or a fine of 100,000 yen ($655; £508).

SPAIN'S ROYALS, BOMBARDED WITH SCORN AND INSULTS IN PUBLIC AMID GROWING TURMOIL

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Spain's devastating floods, which claimed 217 lives in the Valencia region, reached a dramatic turning point when King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia's visit to the affected area erupted in protests. The royal couple's November 3rd visit to Paiporta, one of the worst-hit suburbs, was met with unprecedented hostility as residents expressed their fury over what they perceived as inadequate emergency response to the disaster.

DIWALI: THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS CELEBRATED ACROSS GENERATIONS AND CULTURES

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Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most cherished and widely celebrated festivals in India and among the global Indian diaspora. It holds deep cultural, spiritual, and social significance, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Rooted in ancient Hindu traditions, Diwali has evolved to embrace diverse communities and modern-day celebrations while keeping its timeless message alive.