Category: 2. World

  • In a first, Polish climber skis down Everest without supplemental oxygen | Mount Everest News

    In a first, Polish climber skis down Everest without supplemental oxygen | Mount Everest News

    Andrzej Bargiel, braving heavy snowfall, glided down the world’s highest mountain on his third attempt.

    Poland’s Andrzej Bargiel has become the first climber to ski down the world’s highest mountain without supplemental oxygen, his team and expedition organiser say.

    Bargiel glided down Mount Everest’s snowy slopes after reaching the summit of the 8,849-metre (29,032ft) mountain on Monday.

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    “I am on top of the highest mountain in the world, and I’m going to descend it on skis,” Bargiel said in a video taken before his descent and posted on Instagram early on Thursday.

    Everest has seen a handful of ski descents but never a continuous downhill without additional oxygen.

    In 2000, Slovenian Davorin Karnicar made the first full ski descent from Everest’s summit to base camp using bottled oxygen.

    Chhang Dawa Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks, which organised the latest expedition, said Bargiel skied down to Camp 2, spent a night and then reached the base camp on skis the next day.

    “This was extremely challenging, and no one had done it before,” Sherpa told the AFP news agency.

    Heavy snowfall forced Bargiel to spend 16 hours above 8,000 metres (26,250ft), known as the “death zone” because thin air and low oxygen levels heighten the risk of altitude sickness.

    He was greeted with a khada, a traditional Buddhist scarf, when he arrived at the base camp.

    “Sky is the limit? Not for Poles! Andrzej Bargiel has just skied down Mount Everest,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted on X.

    Bargiel’s team said in a statement that he had made history and called it a “groundbreaking milestone in the world of ski mountaineering”.

    Bargiel started eyeing Everest a year after he became the first person to ski down Pakistan’s K2, the second highest mountain in the world, in 2018.

    But a dangerous overhanging serac forced him to abandon his 2019 attempt. He returned in 2022, but high winds hindered his plans.

    The daredevil adventurer has been on a quest to make ski descents of the highest mountains in the world under his Hic Sunt Leones project, a Latin phrase for “here are lions” and used to refer to uncharted territories.

    In Pakistan, he has skied down all four of Karakoram’s mountains that are higher than 8,000 metres and also skied off Nepal’s Manaslu and Shishapangma in Tibet.

    Autumn expeditions on Everest are rare because of snowier terrain, shorter and colder days and a narrow summit window compared with the busy spring.


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  • Italy and Spain Send Navy Ships to Protect Gaza Flotilla – The Wall Street Journal

    1. Italy and Spain Send Navy Ships to Protect Gaza Flotilla  The Wall Street Journal
    2. Why have Spain and Italy sent ships to assist the Gaza Sumud flotilla?  Al Jazeera
    3. Spain to send navy ship to assist Gaza aid flotilla  Dawn
    4. Spain’s PM says he will send warship to protect Gaza aid flotilla  Reuters
    5. We are sailing to Gaza. Here’s why | David Adler  The Guardian

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  • Could Tony Blair run Gaza? – The Economist

    1. Could Tony Blair run Gaza?  The Economist
    2. Tony Blair in discussions to run transitional Gaza authority  BBC
    3. Washington backing plan for Tony Blair to head transitional Gaza authority  The Guardian
    4. Britain’s former PM Blair eyes key role in Gaza under Trump peace plan: report  Dawn
    5. Revealed: Tony Blair’s US-backed proposal for ending the Gaza war and replacing Hamas  The Times of Israel

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  • Trump presents new Gaza peace plan to Arab and Muslim leaders – Financial Times

    1. Trump presents new Gaza peace plan to Arab and Muslim leaders  Financial Times
    2. Trump presented comprehensive plan to end Gaza war in UN meeting with Muslim leaders  The Times of Israel
    3. Trump administration presented Gaza peace plan to Arab leaders  CNN
    4. Donald Trump reiterates ‘we’re close to a deal’ on Gaza  Dawn
    5. Trump Says He Won’t Allow Israel to Annex the West Bank  The New York Times

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  • Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to five years in Libya campaign financing case

    Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to five years in Libya campaign financing case

    Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in jail after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy in a case related to millions of euros of illicit funds from the late Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi.

    The Paris criminal court acquitted him of all other charges, including passive corruption and illegal campaign financing.

    The ruling means he will spend time in jail even if he launches an appeal, which Sarkozy says he intends to do.

    Speaking after Thursday’s hearing, the 70-year-old, who was president from 2007-12, said the verdict was “extremely serious for rule of law”.

    Sarkozy, who claims the case is politically motivated, was accused of using the funds from Gaddafi to finance his 2007 election campaign.

    In exchange, the prosecution alleged Sarkozy promised to help Gaddafi combat his reputation as a pariah with Western countries.

    Judge Nathalie Gavarino said Sarkozy had allowed close aides to contact Libyan officials with a view to obtaining financial support for his campaign.

    But the court ruled that there was not enough evidence to find Sarkozy was the beneficiary of the illegal campaign financing.

    He was also ordered to pay a fine of €100,000 ($117,000, £87,000).

    There was a shocked intake of breath in court when the judge read out her sentence.

    Sarkozy could be sent to prison in Paris in the coming days – a first for a former French president and a humiliating blow for a man who has always protested his innocence in this trial and the other legal cases against him.

    “What happened today… is of extreme gravity in regard to the rule of law, and for the trust one can have in the justice system,” Sarkozy said outside the court building.

    “If they absolutely want me to sleep in jail, I will sleep in jail, but with my head held high,” he said.

    The investigation was opened in 2013, two years after Saif al-Islam, son of the then-Libyan leader, first accused Sarkozy of taking millions of his father’s money for campaign funding.

    The following year, Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine – who for a long time acted as a middleman between France and the Middle East – said he had written proof that Sarkozy’s campaign bid was “abundantly” financed by Tripoli, and that the €50m (£43m) worth of payments continued after he became president.

    Among the others accused in the trial were former interior ministers, Claude Gueant and Brice Hortefeux. The court found Gueant guilty of corruption, among other charges, and Hortefeux was found guilty of criminal conspiracy.

    Sarkozy’s wife, Italian-born former supermodel and singer Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, was charged last year with hiding evidence linked to the Gaddafi case and associating with wrongdoers to commit fraud, both of which she denies.

    Since losing his re-election bid in 2012, Sarkozy has been targeted by several criminal investigations.

    He also appealed against a February 2024 ruling which found him guilty of overspending on his 2012 re-election campaign, then hiring a PR firm to cover it up. He was handed a one-year sentence, of which six months were suspended.

    In 2021, he was found guilty of trying to bribe a judge in 2014 and became the first former French president to get a custodial sentence. In December, the Paris appeals court ruled that he could serve his time at home wearing a tag instead of going to jail.

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  • Saudi Arabia Appoints New Grand Mufti

    Saudi Arabia Appoints New Grand Mufti

    King Salman bin Abdulaziz has appointed Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah Al Humaid as the new Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Senior Council of Scholars.

    Dr. Al Humaid takes over from Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 82 after serving in the post for more than 25 years.

    According to Arab media reports, Dr. Al Humaid is regarded as one of the most respected scholars in the Muslim world. He has served as the senior Imam and Khateeb of Masjid Al Haram in Makkah for over 40 years and has delivered the Hajj sermon at Masjid Namira in Arafat.

    Alongside his religious duties, he has been an active member of the Majlis Al Shura (Consultative Council) since 1993, including a tenure as its Speaker. Currently, he serves as President of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy in Jeddah and is also a member of the Arabic Language Academy.

    Dr. Al Humaid’s scholarly contributions have been recognized internationally, including being awarded the prestigious King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam in 2016.

    His appointment marks an important moment in the Kingdom’s religious leadership, succeeding Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, who was widely considered one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential Islamic scholars in recent decades.

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  • Unveiling of the Portrait of Ambassador Jamsheed Marker at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    At a solemn ceremony held today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch unveiled the portrait of Ambassador Jamshed Marker— one of the most distinguished Pakistani diplomats. The brilliant portrait was painted by the famous Russian artist Ilya Glazunov and has been gifted by Ms. Niloufer Marker— late Ambassador Marker’s daughter. 

    For over three decades from 1965 to 1995, Ambassador Jamshed Marker served Pakistan with unparalleled distinction. He represented our nation as an ambassador in several posts, including Ghana, the Soviet Union, France, East Germany, Japan, the United Nations in Geneva, West Germany, the United States, and the United Nations in New York. His illustrious career was a combination of grace, intellect, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s interests.

    In important capitals and in consequential times, Ambassador Marker navigated complex geopolitical challenges with a steady hand. He advanced our nation’s priorities with pragmatism and foresight. His counsel to the Government of Pakistan was always respected for its clarity, depth, and actionable insight. His actions resonated on the global stage, advancing our nation’s interests.

    Beyond his ambassadorial roles, Ambassador Marker served as the United Nations Special Envoy for East Timor from 1997 to 1999. This role saw him play a pivotal part in guiding the region through a delicate transition. His impartiality, wisdom, and ability to foster dialogue in challenging circumstances earned him wide recognition and respect. His contributions to peace and stability in East Timor remain a hallmark of his extraordinary diplomatic legacy.

    Ambassador Marker exemplified the timeless qualities of a great diplomat: tact, patience, wisdom, and eloquence. However, he did not merely embody these virtues; he redefined them. A gentleman in every sense, he approached intricate negotiations with a calm demeanour and razor-sharp intellect, demonstrating that true strength lies in quiet persuasion rather than ostentatious displays. Those fortunate enough to know him recall his wit, charm, and his being a great raconteur. He was not only Pakistan’s envoy but also its most captivating narrator, amplifying our narrative in a way that bridged divides, softened tensions, and forged connections where others saw only obstacles.

    During pivotal moments in our nation’s history, such as the turbulent days of 1971, diplomacy related to our nuclear policy, negotiations for the Geneva Accords of 1988, and assisting Azerbaijan and Bosnia, Ambassador Marker’s deep sense of duty shone brightly. While history records events, it was Ambassador Marker who lived their complexities, safeguarding Pakistan’s interests with unwavering dignity and resolve. 

    His memoir, Quiet Diplomacy: Memoirs of an Ambassador of Pakistan, is far more than a recounting of his life. It is a timeless manual for the art and craft of diplomacy, offering lessons that remain as relevant today as ever.

    Ambassador Marker’s exceptional legacy is indelibly woven into the soul of Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry and Foreign Service. It is hoped that for the coming generation of Pakistani diplomats, Ilya Glazunov’s exquisite portrait will serve as a beacon and a reminder to conduct themselves with dignity, engage the world with intellect and humility, and to anchor their work in an abiding love for Pakistan.

    Islamabad
    September 25,2025

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  • Saudi Arabia unveils oldest human settlement, dating back over 10,000 years

    Saudi Arabia unveils oldest human settlement, dating back over 10,000 years

    With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs.

    As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public.​

    Born into a family of journalists, Khitam’s passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family’s experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts.

    Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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  • Super Typhoon Ragasa leaves devastation across China, Taiwan, Philippines | Weather News

    Super Typhoon Ragasa leaves devastation across China, Taiwan, Philippines | Weather News

    Super Typhoon Ragasa, among the most powerful storms to strike Asia in recent years, has hurled waves higher than lampposts across Hong Kong’s promenades and churned coastal waters along southern China after leaving a trail of devastation in Taiwan and the Philippines.

    The death toll in Taiwan reached 14 after floodwaters submerged roads and swept away vehicles, while 10 fatalities were confirmed in the northern Philippines.

    In Guangdong province, China’s southern economic hub, more than two million residents were evacuated, according to state-run Xinhua news agency.

    As Ragasa continues its westward trajectory, authorities suspended select train services in the Guangxi region on Thursday. Chinese officials have allocated tens of millions of dollars towards disaster relief efforts.

    Initially, schools, factories and transportation services were suspended across approximately 12 cities, but some areas farther from the landfall site began preparations to resume operations as wind intensity diminished.

    Before reaching China, Ragasa inflicted casualties and destruction in Taiwan and the Philippines as it tracked between the two territories.

    In Taiwan, the death toll reached 14 after torrential rain caused a barrier lake in Hualien County to overflow on Tuesday, unleashing muddy floodwaters that destroyed a bridge and transformed Guangfu township roads into violent currents carrying away vehicles and furniture.

    Of Guangfu’s approximately 8,450 residents, more than half were able to seek refuge on higher floors or elevated terrain.

    Rescue teams established contact with more than 100 previously unreachable individuals in Hualien and conducted door-to-door checks on the remaining 17 residents. Across the self-ruled island, 32 people sustained injuries.

    In the northern Philippines, at least 10 deaths were reported, including seven fishermen who drowned on Monday when massive waves and fierce winds capsized their boat off Santa Ana in northern Cagayan province. Five additional fishermen remain missing, according to provincial officials.

    Nearly 700,000 people were affected by the catastrophic storm, with 25,000 seeking shelter in government emergency facilities.

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  • Trump Says He Won’t Allow Israel to Annex the West Bank – The New York Times

    1. Trump Says He Won’t Allow Israel to Annex the West Bank  The New York Times
    2. Trump says he ‘will not allow’ Netanyahu to annex West Bank  BBC
    3. Trump says he ‘will not allow’ Israel to annex occupied West Bank  Al Jazeera
    4. Trump promises Arab, Muslim leaders he won’t let Israel annex the West Bank  Politico
    5. Trump says he ‘will not allow’ Israel to annex West Bank after lobbying from allies  The Guardian

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