Timber sends Kane message ahead of Arsenal-Bayern clash

 Jurrien Timber says Arsenal will relish the challenge of keeping Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane quiet.

Former Tottenham star Kane is retuning to Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night and he arrives in fine form.

The England captain has found the net 26 times in 19 appearances for club and country this season.

Kane boasts a brilliant record against Arsenal, too, and is the top scorer in the history of north London derbies.

But Timber says Arsenal’s defence, which has shipped just six goals in all competitions this season, will relish stopping Kane.

“That is not going to be easy, of course,” he said. “I think he is an amazing striker, everyone knows that. He has so many qualities.

“He has been doing it for such a long time already, and now at Bayern Munich he has been one of the best players in the world.

“So, it is going to be a nice challenge for us as a team, as defenders, to stop him tomorrow.

“I think when you face an opposition with Harry Kane as the striker, he is a topic and you discuss him as defenders, because he is one of the dangerous players.

“It is the same with any other game, we discuss their players and the way they play. For tomorrow, it is the same.”

Arsenal’s defence has earned plenty of plaudits this season and it has been key to their success.

The Gunners are top of the Premier League and they also have a 100 per cent record in the Champions League.

Timber, however, has stressed how it is a collective effort that has made Arsenal so hard to open up.

“If you look at Ebs’ [Eberechi Eze] performance the other day against Tottenham, he scored three goals but defensively he was amazing as well,” he said.

“So, I think it is the whole team that is trying to step up and do a bit more also.

“You have the example of Gabriel, everybody knows he is out and at the same time we know as defenders, as a team, we have to step up when a big player like him goes out of the team.

“I think it is just everyone taking their responsibility in defending and also attacking.”

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Arsenal XI vs Bayern: Confirmed team news and predicted lineup

Martin Odegaard could make his first appearance in nearly two months when Arsenal take on Bayern Munich.

Gunners captain Odegaard has been out of action since the start of last month after injuring his knee.

The Norwegian, however, took part in training on Tuesday afternoon and should be in the squad on Wednesday when the Gunners host Bayern.

Mikel Arteta confirmed that the midfielder could be in contention to face the Bundesliga outfit, saying in his pre-match press conference: “We are going to have a meeting now to decide as well on Martin.

“He was very close for the previous game. We are hopeful that tomorrow he can be in the squad as well.”

Arsenal are still set to be without a recognised striker, though, as Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres were absent from training.

Havertz has been out since August with a knee injury, while Gyokeres strained his hamstring earlier this month.

However, Arteta said that there could be some positive news around the pair looking towards the weekend.

“Really good both of them,” the Arsenal boss said of the Swede and the German.

“So in the next few days, again, I think they are going to have a repeat scan to see how everything is and whether we can push them - or not - for the weekend or the following game.”

Gabriel Jesus is back in full training, but Arteta has hinted he will play a friendly behind closed doors before returning to first-team action.

“He is quite close, to be fair, and earlier than we expected,” Arteta said.

“In the next few days he is going to have another step to make with a game that we are going to organise for him. After that, he is just going to be knocking on the door.

Gabriel will be out of action for a few weeks, at least, with a thigh injury, and so Piero Hincapie could start again in the heart of defence.

The Ecuadorian performed well against Tottenham on Sunday in what was his first Premier League start.

Myles Lewis-Skelly may come into the team at left-back, while Ben White is an option on the other flank.

Wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke are both available, which has eased Arsenal’s injury crisis in attack.

The pair, however, are unlikely to be fit enough to start after only just returning to the fold following injury.

Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard

Doubts: Jesus (knee)

Injured: Gabriel (thigh), Gyokeres (hamstring) and Havertz (knee)

Time and date: 8pm BST on Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Venue: Emirates Stadium

How to watch: TNT Sports

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Indonesiana cultural endowment fund has reached 2,800 beneficiaries

 Culture Minister Fadli Zon said that the Indonesiana Endowment Fund Program has reached 2,800 beneficiaries across Indonesia, in order to build a wider ecosystem for Indonesian culture by increasing public participation.

“Anyone across Indonesia can actually access and become a recipient of the cultural endowment fund through the Indonesiana Fund Program,” Minister Zon said 

According to him, the number of recipients is now 10 times higher than before. Previously, there were only around 300 recipients, but now it has reached 2,800 nationwide, he added.

"The beneficiaries include art studios, communities, foundations, and even individual artists and cultural figures,” he explained.

Zon noted that the Indonesiana Fund Program is semi-competitive. Applicants must register and submit proposals for a selection process before receiving funding, all transparently managed through the Indonesiana Fund website.

“We hope that Lampung Province can also access this program. Of course, this serves as a form of stimulus, but it requires collaboration between central, provincial, and local governments, as well as with private entities and corporations to build a cultural ecosystem,” he said.

He added that the total budget prepared for the program currently amounts to Rp465 billion or around US$27.8 million.

“This is not limited by province, and the program is not allocated per region but through independent applications. The available funds are around Rp465 billion, provided to approximately 2,800 beneficiaries, including recipients from Lampung,” he added.

He also urged communities, individuals, art studios, and institutions to actively participate in cultural preservation efforts.

“This preservation effort will be strengthened with the Lampung Regional Cultural Preservation Office, which will help promote various cultural preservation programs and create a network, enabling communities to access the Indonesiana Fund Program,” he said.

Gov't eases process for PhD holders to join Indonesian academia

  The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology is working to simplify administrative procedures for Indonesian diaspora PhD holders who wish to become academics in Indonesia, either as lecturers or adjunct professors.

Deputy Minister Stella Christie said the simple steps aim to connect domestic academics with international-level research experiences and topics through collaboration with diaspora PhDs.

“We believe it is important for our diaspora to contribute, so it should be easy for them to work in Indonesia as adjunct professors. For example, if a diaspora member wants to teach here, the administrative process should be simplified,” 

On that occasion, she attended the third day of the Indonesian Higher Education Summit (KPPTI) at the Surabaya State University (Unesa), East Java.

The easier administrative process includes recognition of foreign-earned doctoral degrees, enabling quicker acknowledgment across domestic universities, since the equivalency process is managed by the ministry.

Additionally, diaspora PhDs can utilize ministry research funds to conduct joint research with domestic doctoral students in overseas laboratories.

“It also ensures that those returning with PhDs from overseas can have their degrees recognized quickly, enabling them to work as full lecturers in Indonesia,” she added.

Previously, on Wednesday (November 19), Minister Brian Yuliarto introduced plans for a double affiliation rule, allowing lecturers to collaborate with Indonesian diaspora in various academic activities.

“We are drafting a regulation so the diaspora can hold double affiliations with your universities,” he said.

He noted that over a thousand Indonesian diaspora are spread across multiple countries.

Yuliarto invited domestic lecturers to recruit them as doctoral student supervisors, research partners, industry collaborators, or faculty members in Indonesian universities.

Rubio on US ideas to end war in Ukraine: both sides must make necessary concessions

 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that "both sides" in the Russo-Ukrainian war must agree to "necessary concessions", which is why the United States is developing and will continue to develop "a list of potential ideas for ending this war".

Source: Rubio on Х (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Rubio said that an "extensive exchange of serious and realistic ideas" is required in order to bring an end to "a complex and deadly war such as the one in Ukraine".

He believes that Ukraine and Russia must agree to "necessary concessions" to achieve lasting peace.

"And achieving a durable peace will require both sides to agree to difficult but necessary concessions," he said.

According to Rubio, this is why the US is developing and will continue to develop "a list of potential ideas for ending this war".

Background:

・On 19 November, several US media outlets reported on a new 28-point peace plan that US President Donald Trump's team developed in consultation with Russian representatives.

・The Financial Times reported that the new 28-point US peace plan to end the war in Ukraine envisages, among other things, handing all of Donbas to Russia, giving up certain categories of weaponry, cutting the size of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in half and recognising Russian as a state language.

・Qatar and Türkiye are also reportedly involved in developing the drafting of the new plan.

・Axios reported that a meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Türkiye regarding the new peace plan was cancelled because the Ukrainian president arrived with a different plan, which Russia "will never accept"

Zidane as France Coach: Adidas and Nike Could Stop Everything !

 Zinedine Zidane is the clear favorite to succeed Didier Deschamps after 2026. But one major obstacle could derail the plan: his lifetime deal with Adidas, while the French national team is tied to Nike.

On paper, it looked perfect: Deschamps steps down in 2026, Zidane steps in. A smooth, almost inevitable transition. But behind the scenes at the French Football Federation, a contractual minefield has emerged — the clash between Adidas and Nike, two giants whose interests collide right at Zidane’s feet.

Adidas vs Nike: the unexpected roadblock to Zidane’s appointment

Back in Zidane’s playing days, everything aligned nicely: both he and the French national team were Adidas athletes. But since 2011, the FFF has switched to Nike, and that “detail” has now turned into a major issue.

Zidane is tied to Adidas through a lifetime contract, a massive commitment that doesn’t exactly mesh with the requirements of a national coach, who must represent the team’s official sponsor… in this case, Nike, until 2034.

According to Le Parisien, the FFF will need to resolve this sponsorship conflict before making anything official. Neither brand can afford to be overshadowed or compromised.

The FFF wants everything settled before July 2026

The Federation wants all financial and contractual matters wrapped up before the expected announcement in July 2026. That includes image rights, commercial boundaries, brand visibility, and above all, how to reconcile a coach who is the face of Adidas with a team fully dressed by Nike.

“If the announcement does come in July, all financial and contractual aspects will logically have been settled beforehand — starting with the most delicate: Zidane’s lifetime deal with Adidas, while the FFF has been with Nike since 2011 and will remain so until 2034,” Le Parisien explains.

In short: the path is open for Zidane… but the Adidas vs Nike showdown may be the last major hurdle before the football legend finally sits on the France bench.

Editor Forum launch No Tax for Knowledge to uphold quality information

  The Indonesian Editors-in-Chief Forum (Pemred) initiated "No Tax for Knowledge," which encourages tax relief for the media industry to ensure the sustainability of journalistic institutions and their continued provision of quality information.

“This means that good, verified journalistic institutions that provide accurate education and information should, if possible, have their taxes reduced,” said Chair of the Chief of Pemred, Retno Pinasti, in Jakarta 

She conveyed that during the Forum’s Run for Good Journalism 2025, which was also attended by the Finance Minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.

According to Pinasti, the tax relief is also necessary to maintain the delivery of credible information needed by the state and the public.

"So that we are all sustainable, and this country has good information and education for all citizens and future generations," she continued.

She further stated that the Editor-in-Chief Forum also encourages fellow journalists to produce quality and integrity-based journalistic products to protect the public from harmful hoaxes.

"Because we all certainly feel that amidst this storm of information, there's a huge amount of hoaxes, and that's where journalists play a role," she said.

Meanwhile, the Finance Minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, said he had heard the Editor-in-Chief Forum's concerns regarding the current media business.

Purbaya said he encouraged the media industry to continue to criticize the government to maintain the domestic economy.

"Going forward, we must criticize and provide input so that our economy doesn't fall again," he said.

BRIN explains botanical garden's role in conserving biodiversity

 Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Arif Satria, explained the important role of botanical gardens in preserving Indonesia's biodiversity.

In a statement in Jakarta on Sunday, Satria highlighted four key roles of botanical gardens -- supporting education and research, preserving genetic diversity, serving as educational tourism sites, and contributing to public welfare -- all essential to tackling Indonesia's biodiversity loss.

"We must continue to strengthen this perspective, but we must have the courage to initiate future practices. Future practices mean starting new things because their strength lies in creativity and imagination," he said.

Therefore, Satria emphasized the importance of botanical garden management in making breakthroughs to ensure the proper functioning of botanical gardens, such as in education and research.

Furthermore, he continued, botanical gardens must strengthen their position as collection centers connected to other surrounding facilities as sources of genetic diversity.

He said botanical gardens also provide tourism benefits by offering environmental services like beauty, oxygen, and carbon absorption -- acting as the lungs of cities and regions. He added that cultural value within the gardens can also drive prosperity and economic activity.

Satria emphasized that botanical gardens should not stop at preservation efforts; they must become drivers of the utilization of Indonesia's plant resources and strengthen conservation networks to support sustainable development.

He noted that another challenge is expanding efforts beyond internal management to foster community-run botanical gardens, and said BRIN could later introduce pilot initiatives to establish smaller botanical garden models.

Therefore, Satria hopes that all botanical gardens in Indonesia will continue to make positive contributions to environmental sustainability and prevent the potential harms of climate change.

Furthermore, BRIN's Deputy for Research and Innovation Utilization, R. Hendrian, emphasized the importance of botanical gardens as part of the national research ecosystem.

Botanical garden development must be linked to the Sustainable Development Agenda and be able to utilize research results to address various challenges at the regional and national levels.

Hendrian said botanical gardens and plant conservation should be seen beyond simple preservation. They must link to broader, real-world issues to strengthen their relevance and enhance their contribution.

Apple fans perplexed after launch of $230 iPhone sock

 Apple has perplexed consumers with their latest product launch: a designer sock to carry your iPhone.

Well, they’ve actually called it an “iPhone Pocket” but it’s essentially a knitted piece of fabric with a hole to snugly encase your iPhone, which you can wear cross-body, like a bag or a phone strap.

This limited-edition collaboration with the Japanese fashion label Issey Miyake is available for an eye-watering $229.95, in blue, brown or black. A shorter version is available in additional color options (including bright orange, yellow, purple, pink, and turquoise) for $149.95, which can be hooked over your arm or tied to a bag.

After the collaboration was announced Wednesday (11 November), consumers have been sharing their confusion over the product and its high price point, with one person writing on Instagram: “This is a sock y’all.”

Others remarked on how the iPhone pocket doesn’t have a secure fastening or zip, which will only aid phone snatchers.

“Making it easier to steal! Great,” wrote one commenter, as another added: “In London it will be ripped off your arm in a nano second.”

“Imagine spending my money on a phone sock,” said another. “All this and they charge us extra for the adapter.”

Comparisons have been made to the Noughties creation of the iPod sock, a set of multi-colored knit socks introduced by Apple in 2004 as a case for its portable media players. The product was discontinued by 2012.

“The iPod sock is back,” wrote one person on Instagram, as another chimed: “Like the iPod sock….?”

Apple said the new product was “inspired by the concept of ‘a piece of cloth’ and features a singular 3D-knitted construction designed to fully enclose iPhone, while expanding to fit your everyday items.”

The mesh fabric references the original pleats fabric originated by Issey Miyake, from the brand’s popular line, Pleats Please.

The product description reads: “When stretched, the open textile subtly reveals its contents and allows you to peek at your iPhone display.”

“Born out of the idea of creating an additional pocket, while also being playful and versatile, iPhone Pocket is available in a short strap length (in eight colors), and a long strap length (in three colors), suitable for a variety of wearing styles such as handholding, tying onto bags, or wearing directly on your body.”

Ukrainian troops stop Russian advance on Rivne village near Pokrovsk

 Ukrainian defenders continue to hold their positions near Pokrovsk. In particular, they are repelling enemy advances on the village of Rivne, said Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.

"The defense of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad continues. The enemy’s attempts to advance on Rivne near Pokrovsk are also failing," Kovalenko said.

Fighting in the Pokrovsk direction

Over the past month, Russian forces have been actively trying to take control of Pokrovsk. Some enemy units have already infiltrated the city, where intense fighting continues.

Fighting is also ongoing around Pokrovsk, as Russian forces aim to encircle the Pokrovsk urban area.

Initially, the enemy attempted to advance from the south, from the settlements of Zvereve and Roza. Later, attacks shifted to the west, from Kotlyne toward the industrial zone in the northwest of Pokrovsk.

Recently, Russian units have also attempted to advance from the southeast.

A few days ago, the Air Assault Forces reported that over 300 Russian troops were present in Pokrovsk at that time. They also noted that the Russians used fog to infiltrate the city in light vehicles.

The goal of the soldiers who entered Pokrovsk is to reach the northern borders of the city to proceed with encirclement.

On November 10, Kovalenko also stated that the Russian army had failed to encircle Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, where very heavy fighting continues.

Govt moves to end legal ambiguity over kratom

 Deputy Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Otto Hasibuan has stressed the need to establish clear rules on the use and trade of kratom leaves and their derivative products.

Speaking at a coordination meeting on kratom export regulations in Jakarta on Thursday, he said the plant offers strong economic potential but lacks legal clarity.

"I believe it is crucial that all parties here can reach an agreement on the legal status of kratom to avoid misunderstandings," Hasibuan said, according to a statement issued 

He noted that disagreements remain among government institutions on kratom export governance, despite a 2024 Trade Ministry rule allowing exports only in crumbs or powder smaller than 600 microns.

Hasibuan called on all relevant institutions to exchange views and reach consensus to ensure Indonesia can fully benefit from the commodity.

"All relevant institutions must sit together to determine a clear policy direction," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Fitra Arsil, a member of Hasibuan's expert staff for legal reform, underlined the need for comprehensive research on kratom and its alignment with Indonesia’s downstreaming program.

"We need in-depth studies on kratom covering medical, economic, and social aspects. It is equally important to promote downstreaming through clear business permit rules that ensure legal certainty," he said.

Despite legal ambiguity, the government recognizes the need to promote downstreaming by converting kratom leaves into higher-value products to boost export earnings.

Thursday’s coordination meeting reflected the government's effort to engage stakeholders in finding the best approach to maximize kratom’s economic potential.

Widely found in Kalimantan, kratom leaves are traditionally processed by Dayak communities into herbal medicine and stamina boosters, and are also used globally in health supplements and pain relievers.

Indonesia backs Brazil's initiative for tropical forest facility

  Indonesia’s Special Presidential Envoy for Energy and Climate Change, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, announced that the Indonesian government supports Brazil’s Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), an initiative designed to assist forested tropical countries in conservation efforts.

“Today, on behalf of President Prabowo Subianto, I express Indonesia’s commitment to participate in the Tropical Forest Forever Facility. This is a fund established by Brazil, Indonesia, and several other nations, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” Djojohadikusumo said during the Belém Leader Summit in Belém, Brazil, on Thursday, November 6.

Djojohadikusumo explained that the facility serves as a global investment fund aimed at preventing deforestation and restoring degraded tropical forests.

He added that Indonesia’s support for the TFFF was warmly welcomed by several world leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron.

“Indonesia will take part in this new initiative launched by Brazil. President Lula is very pleased, as are many other heads of state, including President Macron and other presidents and prime ministers,” he stated.

The Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) represents a 125-billion-US-dollar fund to support the preservation of forests in tropical countries. Indonesia will actively participate and has pledged to match Brazil’s contribution.

“Brazil has committed 1 billion US dollars, Indonesia has committed 1 billion US dollars, and Norway has pledged 3 billion US dollars over ten years. France has already contributed 400 million euros and plans to add another 500 million euros by 2030,” Djojohadikusumo noted.

During the summit, Djojohadikusumo was accompanied by Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq and Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni.

The Belém Leader Summit serves as a preparatory meeting ahead of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).

The summit, held on November 6–7, 2025, brought together world leaders to discuss urgent climate issues and strengthen collaborative efforts to preserve the world’s tropical forests.

Prabowo confirms ongoing Indonesia-US zero-tariff talks

 President Prabowo Subianto has confirmed that negotiations with the United States on zero-percent import tariffs remain ongoing.

"Yes, negotiations are still ongoing," he said on the sidelines of the 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea

The discussions aim to expand bilateral trade cooperation, particularly in Indonesia's leading export commodities.

On the same occasion, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said that further talks with the US would continue after the summit.

He explained that the commodities proposed for zero-percent tariffs are similar to those agreed with Malaysia, such as palm oil, cocoa, rubber, and several other goods not produced in the US.

Hartarto noted that discussions on critical minerals are being conducted separately.

"Critical minerals are being discussed separately, related to the supply chain," he said. "In the joint statement, we refer to them as industrial communities."

Indonesia is seeking to lower tariffs on palm oil exports to zero percent, similar to Malaysia's agreement with the US.

"This (palm oil tariff negotiation) is still in progress. Hopefully, in the discussions, we can at least be on par with Malaysia," said Acting Director General of Agro-Industry Putu Juli Ardika on October 29.

He referred to Malaysia's success in lowering US import tariffs from 25 percent to 19 percent under its newly signed reciprocal tariff agreement with Washington.

Malaysian key products, including palm oil, rubber, wood products, aviation components, and pharmaceuticals, were either exempted from or reduced to zero-percent tariffs by the US.

Ardika expressed confidence that a similar deal would allow Indonesia to compete equally with Malaysia in the US market.

Indonesia allocates up to 15,000 ha for Palestine's food program

 Indonesia has allocated up to 15,000 hectares of land in North Kalimantan for Palestine's sustainable food, livestock, and agro-industry investment, the Ministry of Agriculture has announced.

"For us, helping Palestine is not just about food, but about humanity,” Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said in a written statement on Saturday.

He reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to building humanitarian-oriented food cooperation for the Palestinian people, with support demonstrated through investment and sustainable agricultural development.

"Our brothers and sisters there have the right to a decent life, including the right to food," Sulaiman said.

He added that he had met with Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair Al-Shun to discuss the initiative. As an initial step, Indonesia is offering 10,000–15,000 hectares of investment land for Palestine in North Kalimantan.

The land will be developed into an integrated area for food crops, livestock, and agro-industry, involving state-owned enterprises, private companies, and regional partners in Southeast Asia and other friendly nations.

"Palestine is an important part of this initiative," Sulaiman said.

He emphasized that Indonesia will continue to support Palestine through horticultural development, technology transfer, and agricultural training.

"Indonesia stands with Palestine not only diplomatically, but also through concrete cooperation in the food sector. This is a down-to-earth form of support," he stated.

Palestinian Ambassador Zuhair Al-Shun expressed appreciation for Indonesia's commitment, describing the cooperation as a new milestone that strengthens bilateral solidarity and cross-sector collaboration.

Zuhair said the visit of the Palestinian investment technical team to Indonesia might be postponed due to the security situation in Palestine but assured continued coordination and readiness to implement the project when conditions allow.

He also expressed deep gratitude for Indonesia’s consistent support.

"I have great respect for this country because I know how hard Indonesia works for us. I've been here for eight years. If I'm no longer in office, I won't leave this country. That's my promise," Zuhair said.

The Indonesia–Palestine cooperation also covers the exchange of sustainable agricultural technologies, including water-efficient irrigation, desert farming, climate-resilient seeds, and digital-based and hydroponic systems.

In human resource development, Indonesia will expand training quotas for young Palestinian farmers and officials, including internships on integrated agricultural sites in Kalimantan and Sulawesi.

As a follow-up, both countries plan to form a Joint Working Committee in early 2026 to finalize the action plan and ensure timely implementation of the agreed initiatives.

Zohran Mamdani called out Donald Trump’s threat to withhold federal funding in New York CityLIVE – Updated at 00:23 US president also backs independent candidate Andrew Cuomo,

 LIVE – Updated at 00:23

US president also backs independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor who resigned in disgrace.

00:05

Zohran Mamdani called out Donald Trump’s threat to withhold federal funding in New York City. The remarks came during a campaign event in Queens on Monday.

“I will address that threat for what it is: It is a threat. It is not the law,” Mamdani said, according to the New York Times. “And too often, we treat everything that comes out of Donald Trump’s mouth as if it is already legal, just by virtue of who is saying it.”

Trump had earlier posted on social media that if Mamdani was elected “it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required”. The president repeatedly called Mamdani a “communist” and urged voters to back Andrew Cuomo, who’s running as an independent, for mayor.

“The MAGA movement’s embrace of Andrew Cuomo is reflective of Donald Trump’s understanding that this would be the best mayor for him — not the best mayor for New York City, not the best mayor for New Yorkers, but the best mayor for Donald Trump and his administration,” Mamdani said at the campaign event.

“This funding is not something that Donald Trump is giving us here in New York City,” Mamdani added. “This is something that we are, in fact, owed in New York.”

03 Nov 2025 23:42

Andrew Cuomo said that if he were in a one-on-one contest against Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor he would win. The remark came shortly after Donald Trump urged voters to back Cuomo for mayor, saying a vote for republican candidate Curtis Sliwa is a “vote for Mamdani”.

In an interview on 77WABC radio, Cuomo, who’s a former democrat but is running as an independent, said “The president is right… A vote for Sliwa is a vote for Mamdani. That’s why this election is up to the Republicans.” In the interview, Cuomo suggested it was selfish of Sliwa to stay in the race.

Earlier in the day, Elon Musk – the once close ally and advisor to Trump – also told voters to back Cuomo saying, “Bear in mind that a vote for Curtis is really a vote for Mumdumi or whatever his name is”.

Trump told 60 Minutes in an interview on Sunday that he preferred a “bad Democrat” for New York City mayor, in reference to Cuomo. He said that was better than a “communist”, meaning Mamdani. Mamdani, who’s the democratic candidate for mayor, responded on X saying “Congratulations @AndrewCuomo. I know how hard you worked for this”.

‘Do you want to die?’ Knifeman asked victim as he stabbed him six times

 A Nottingham Forest supporter has told how the suspected Huntingdon train knifeman asked him “do you want to die” as he stabbed him six times.

Speaking to The Telegraph at his London home, Stephen Crean, 61, recalled leaving his seat to confront alleged attacker Anthony Williams, armed with nothing but his fists.

Williams, 32, was charged on Monday with 11 counts of attempted murder, one of which took place in the early hours of Saturday.

The inkmaker said he tried to stop the attack, which left 11 people injured, because “it did not dawn on me not to”.

“It was me with him,” Mr Crean said. “He had a great big oversized kitchen knife – it was as if it was a Japanese sword or something. He came towards me and said to me, ‘Do you want to die?’. That’s what he said.”

Mr Crean was returning from watching Nottingham Forest draw 2-2 with Manchester United on Saturday when chaos unfolded shortly after 7.30pm.

“All of a sudden the door of the carriage opened, people ran past me and they were shouting, ‘run, run, run, man’s got knife’,” he said. “So I let these people run past me, families, women, young lads.

“Finally they had all packed into the buffet car and the toilets and locked the doors, as you do, and so that was it for me.”

Hearing the screams of injured passengers, Mr Crean walked through the buffet car to the carriage where the knifeman had launched his attack and came face to face with him in the aisle.

Mr Crean said the attacker was over 6ft 1in, wore a grey tracksuit, had short afro-style hair and spoke with a London or south-east accent.

A door to the buffet car, where other passengers were hiding, was locked behind him as they fought – preventing potentially dozens of other injuries.

He recalled: “I could see somebody on the floor behind him with what looked like blood on them.

“He got nearer and nearer to me, so I went a little bit further back. He came up, he came up. And by that point I was back at the buffet car but they were making sure that door was locked. I heard it click and that’s when it kicked off.

“He just looked pretty moody, pretty angry. He was on a mission. He knew what he wanted to do and he was going to do it.

“And then, all of a sudden, this knife comes out, and I went straight for him. I tried to punch him, this and that. I was trying to hold his arm [with his knife]. It kicked off. But he caught me on the top of the head.”

Credit: SWNS

Mr Crean said he was stabbed in his left hand, three times in his back, once on his bottom and twice in his head.

“I just tried to hold him off and to keep the knife away but it caught me. He got me a lot on my left hand, three times on my back, once on my bottom and twice on my head. I was bleeding a lot,” he added.

“It all happened so quickly and then he went back the other way, and then he went to the buffet car [where passengers were sheltering] but the door was already locked.

“I think my phone had dropped on the floor, so I picked it up and I went the other way to him,” he continued.

Lying on the floor as he lost blood

He said he found an empty toilet and locked the door before lying on the floor as he lost blood. About 10 minutes later he opened the door to find armed police pointing guns at him.

“I sneaked in a toilet. One of them was bloody empty. So I got in there and he came back to find me, but I’d locked the door by then. So I lay down, because by then I felt a bit wheezy and tired and I was losing blood. It must have been about 10 minutes.

“But then there was big banging and kicking and shouting outside, and it was armed police. They came on board and I said my name and they said, ‘Yeah, Stephen, you can open the door’. But even when I opened the door they had the gun pointing at me to make sure it was me and I hadn’t put on a voice.

“Luckily we were at the platform [in Huntingdon] by then so it enabled me to get off. They opened the door just for me and it was clever. They didn’t open the whole train, otherwise he’s gonna get off.”

Paramedics treated Mr Crean, gave him a foil blanket and took him by ambulance to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. His wounds were dressed and stitched up and he was discharged at 6am on Sunday.

Asked why he ran towards danger to confront the attacker, he said: “I think there was no other choice. It just didn’t dawn on me not to.

“My motive was to protect people. I think it’s just in my blood. I will always do that. I was scared, but then it went away. You just do whatever. You just go with it.”

Mr Crean is now taking medication to guard against possible HIV infection after the attacker reportedly used the same knife on multiple victims.

“Because it’s a deep stab wound they said I needed special tablets because I could catch Aids, and things like this,” he said.

Asked whether he is a hero, he said: “One woman messaged me on Facebook and said, ‘You probably saved my daughter’s life’. And I just got that message earlier on, and I never get emotional, but that got to me.

“I’m not brave. There’s gonna be braver people than me. The train guard, the police, and then the guys that got me off the train. And the poor train guard that got stabbed and is still in there [hospital] now. My God, there is more people out there than me. It’s them, you know.

“I played my part. I tried my best, that’s all I could do. I’m not a troublemaker. I’ve never got involved with trouble in my life. I’m not a fighter. I don’t do that sort of thing. But if someone came here and started on you, I’ll have a go – even if I can’t use my left hand.”

Indonesia, Australia hold joint military disaster drill in Banten

 The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) are conducting a joint disaster mitigation drill in Lebak, Banten, from October 27 to 31.

"We are strengthening humanitarian defense cooperation through the Bhakti Kanyini Ausindo 2025 joint training to enhance disaster preparedness in the Indo-Pacific region," said Brigadier General Edi Saputra, Commander of the 064/Maulana Yusuf Military Resort, 

The exercise is a capacity-building effort aimed at improving interoperability and coordination between the two militaries. It features disaster mitigation simulations in which Indonesian and Australian soldiers operate under a unified command structure to enhance their humanitarian mission capabilities.

Saputra emphasized that the drill also reflects TNI’s ongoing efforts to become a professional, responsive, integrated, modern, and adaptive military institution, safeguarding national interests while contributing to global peacebuilding.

Beyond technical skills, the Bhakti Kanyini Ausindo exercise aims to foster empathy, mutual respect, and trust between personnel from both nations.

"This training demonstrates TNI's readiness to serve the people, uphold humanity, and contribute to a better world. Indonesia and Australia stand side by side as friends, working together toward a more resilient and peaceful region," he said.

The joint drill also involved military experts from the United States and Timor-Leste, as well as Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the National Police (Polri), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI).

The exercise follows an agreement to expand Indonesia-Australia defense cooperation in non-war military operations, based on a recent meeting between Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and ADF Chief Admiral David Johnston in Jakarta.

Govt expands rural energy access with community programs

 The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is expanding energy access nationwide through community-focused initiatives, including rural electrification, local oil well management, free electricity connections, and solar power development.

"Programs such as community oil wells, rural electrification, free electricity connections (BPBL), and solar power aim to accelerate energy access nationwide," Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said in a statement issued 

He thanked stakeholders supporting the national energy agenda under President Prabowo Subianto's administration.

"These achievements would not have been possible without our business partners' contributions. I sincerely thank you for your dedication," Lahadalia said during the 2025 Subroto Awards Night in Jakarta on October 24.

The Subroto Awards recognize contributions to Indonesia's energy and mineral resources sector. This year, the ceremony coincided with the sector's 80th anniversary and honored 71 winners across 52 categories.

Lahadalia said Indonesia's 2025 oil lifting target of 605,000 barrels per day was met through cooperation between the government and industry under flexible production-sharing contracts.

He credited regional administrations for identifying and managing around 45,000 community oil wells, which will be restructured in collaboration with cooperatives, MSMEs, and regional-owned companies.

"These partnerships empower communities to manage resources responsibly while ensuring environmental and safety standards," Lahadalia said, adding that contractors must purchase oil at 80 percent of the Indonesian Crude Price.

In the power sector, state-owned PT PLN is tasked with electrifying 5,700 villages and 4,400 hamlets still without electricity. The initiative, under rural electrification and BPBL programs, aims to connect all households to the national grid.

"Who knows, one of these children from remote villages might become Indonesia's president. After 80 years of independence, no village should remain without electricity. That is the spirit of President Prabowo's pro-people programs," he said.

Lahadalia urged mining companies to adopt responsible environmental practices, including reclamation guarantees in their work plans and budgets.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to clean energy, noting plans to build 1.5-megawatt solar power plants in each of 70,000 villages, potentially generating up to 100 gigawatts nationwide.

The ministry also introduced a new logo, "Pancar Dipa," symbolizing energy as a source of life and reflecting innovation and optimism for Indonesia's energy future.

Lahadalia expressed confidence that ongoing collaboration among government, industry, and communities would be key to achieving sustainable and equitable energy resilience.