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Motor racing: Yuki Tsunoda loses Red Bull seat for 2026, F1 future in doubt

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TOKYO, Dec 3 (Kyodo/APP): The Red Bull Formula One team announced Tuesday that Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda will not be retained for the 2026 season, demoting him to a reserve role.

Tsunoda, who was promoted to Red Bull from its junior outfit in round three of the current season, struggled against his four-time world champion teammate Max Verstappen, failing to beat him in any of the races the Dutchman finished.

Tsunoda will remain within the Red Bull organization in 2026, as he was named test and reserve driver for both the top team and the Racing Bulls outfit.

“Through his five seasons so far in Formula One, Yuki has matured into a complete racer, good over a single lap on Saturday and capable of exceptional starts and excellent race craft on Sunday,” said Laurent Mekies, Red Bull team principal, in a statement.

“We know he will provide invaluable support to the 2026 projects moving forward.”

The 25-year-old has one race left, Sunday in Abu Dhabi, to try to improve on his best finish in a Red Bull — a sixth in Azerbaijan. Ranked 15th in the drivers’ standings, Tsunoda has scored just 33 points this season, compared to Verstappen’s 396.

Tsunoda could still make a large contribution on the way out, though, as Verstappen remains in the fight for the drivers’ championship, giving the Japanese the opportunity to take points away from his teammate’s title rivals, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Frenchman Isack Hadjar was named as Tsunoda’s replacement at Red Bull, with the 21-year-old having had a strong rookie season for Racing Bulls, the Japanese driver’s former team.

Replacing Hadjar at Racing Bulls will be British-Swedish Formula Two driver Arvid Lindblad. He will partner New Zealander Liam Lawson, who continues with the team.

Turkish defense technology to protect UN vehicles

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NNPS Desk
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CAIRO, Dec 3 (AA/APP): Turkish defense company Aser Technology’s radio frequency (RF) jammers will be used in the armored vehicles deployed in UN operations in Africa, a company representative said.

Aser Technology, a satellite communications and radar systems manufacturer, won the RF jammer supply tender for the UN’s African operations, beating out international competition, and completed the deliveries.

Ertan Murat, general manager of Aser Technology, told Anadolu that the company produces tactical-class electronic warfare jamming systems effective against remote-controlled improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and drones.

Murat said the company took its innovative and effective RF jamming technologies to the highest international level with this prestigious project.

“We served the Turkish Armed Forces in jammer projects for over 20 years and we developed new jamming technologies that meet the conditions and needs of the real field,” he said.

“Our offerings can jam effectively across the entire spectrum, including 4.5G and 5G systems, drones, and GNSS (global navigation satellite system) frequency bands, with a much wider range,” he added.

Over 180,000 premature deaths linked to air pollution in EU in 2023, EEA reports

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NNPS Desk
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ANKARA, Dec 3 (AA/APP): More than 180,000 premature deaths in the EU in 2023 were attributable to long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) above World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the European Environment Agency (EEA) said in its latest health impact assessment published on Monday.

The briefing, ‘Harm to human health from air pollution in Europe: burden of disease status, 2025’, confirms a continued downward trend over the past 19 years.

According to the agency, deaths linked to PM2.5 have fallen 57% since 2005, meaning the EU has already surpassed its Zero Pollution Action Plan target of a 55% reduction by 2030 — seven years ahead of schedule.

The report estimates that if air pollution levels had met WHO guideline values in 2023, approximately 182,000 deaths from PM2.5, 63,000 from ozone and 34,000 from nitrogen dioxide could have been avoided across the EU.

Despite the progress, the European Environment Agency warns that 95% of people living in European cities remain exposed to pollution levels well above WHO recommendations, with eastern and south-eastern Europe bearing the heaviest health burden.

In addition to premature mortality, air pollution contributes to and exacerbates chronic illnesses, including asthma, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

Emerging evidence also links air pollution to dementia — a disease burden that may now exceed several other pollution-related conditions, the report notes.

The findings were released to coincide with the EU Clean Air Forum being held in Bonn, Germany, on Dec. 1-2.

The revised EU Ambient Air Quality Directive, which entered into force in 2024, brings EU standards closer to WHO guidelines and is expected to drive further improvements in the coming years.

The European Environment Agency analysis covers 41 European countries, including the 27 EU member states and other EEA members. The agency has tracked air pollution-related deaths since 2014, using the stricter 2021 WHO guidelines. As in previous reports, mortality figures for different pollutants are not combined to avoid double-counting.

Turkish foreign minister meets with EU foreign policy chief

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NNPS Desk
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ISTANBUL, Dec 3 (AA/APP): Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with EU’s Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas in Brussels on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry said on Turkish social media platform NSosyal.

No further information has been revealed yet about the meeting.

The meeting came as Fidan is in Brussels to attend the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting on Wednesday.

Great Wall excavation yields key archaeological discoveries in Beijing

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NNPS Desk
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BEIJING, Dec 3 (Xinhua/APP): Archaeologists in Beijing announced important discoveries in the recent excavation of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall, where a large cannon has been unearthed.

The excavation focused on three beacon towers and their connecting walls, revealing numerous artifacts this year, including weapons, architectural parts, and objects of daily use, according to Shang Heng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Institute of Archaeology, at a press conference on the latest archaeological findings in 2025.

Among these artifacts was a large cannon cast in the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), measuring 89.2 centimeters in length and weighing 112.1 kilograms — the largest artillery piece ever found in this section of the Great Wall.

Shang said that the well-preserved inscriptions on the cannon provide crucial new evidence for research on firearms manufacturing and historical military technology exchange during the period.

Also announced was the research findings of turquoise artifacts at the Xingong site, which is a rare settlement dating back to the Xia (2070 B.C.-1600 B.C.) and Shang (1600 B.C.-1046 B.C.) period in Beijing’s urban area.

The site, featuring burial grounds, moats and residential remains, has revealed 28 turquoise artifacts. Analysis indicates the turquoise likely originated from mines at the junction of the provinces of Hubei, Henan and Shaanxi, providing key evidence of early cultural exchange in northern China, according to Yang Ju, a research fellow at the institute.

Cambodia’s construction attracts investment projects worth 7.32 bln USD in 1st 11 months of 2025

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NNPS Desk
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PHNOM PENH, Dec. 3 (Xinhua/APP): Cambodia’s construction sector had attracted a total investment of 7.32 billion U.S. dollars in the first 11 months of 2025, up 69 percent from 4.33 billion dollars over the same period last year, said an official report on Tuesday.

Issued by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, the report said the ministry had granted licenses to 3,503 construction projects during the January-November period this year, up 33.6 percent from 2,622 projects over the same period last year.

To date, the kingdom had 3,254 high-rise buildings (between five and over 40 floors), and 698 locations of new towns and residential complexes, mostly in capital Phnom Penh, the report added.

Currently, a total of 953 construction and home design companies, including 377 foreign firms, are operating in the Southeast Asian country.

“The construction sector has played and will continue to play a key role in boosting our national economic growth and social development,” said Theng Chan Sangvar, a secretary of state of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction.

Construction, along with real estate, is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia’s economic growth in addition to garment, footwear and travel goods export, tourism, and agriculture.

Malaysia says search for flight MH370 to resume in December

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NNPS Desk
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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 3 (Xinhua/APP): The search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 will resume on Dec. 30, the Transport Ministry said on Wednesday.

Exploration firm Ocean Infinity will recommence seabed search operations intermittently for a total of 55 days, the ministry said in a statement.

President Zardari reaffirms national commitment to protecting rights of persons with disabilities

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Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed the national commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities and ensuring their full participation in the national life.
In a message on the ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities,’ being observed on December 03, he called on citizens, public and private institutions, civil society and international partners to support persons with disabilities and recognise their identity with respect.
“Their participation in education, entrepreneurship, public service and national development is vital for Pakistan’s future,” he added.
The president said the Government of Pakistan, through federal and provincial bodies, was taking steady steps to improve accessibility, education, healthcare, mobility and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Measures such as the special logo on the national identity card, the issuance of disability certificates, wider access to social protection schemes and the strengthening of rehabilitation and community-based support show their resolve to build a society where everyone had the chance to contribute, he added.
“I believe that an inclusive environment, supported by accessible infrastructure and public services, is essential for a fair society. It is our shared duty to remove physical and social barriers, as well as unhelpful attitudes, that limit the ability of persons with disabilities to lead productive and independent lives,” President Secretariat Press Wing, in a press release, quoted the president as saying.
He further stressed upon working together for a Pakistan where no one was left behind and where persons with disabilities were seen as contributors to the collective strength and resilience.
“Inclusion should not remain an idea alone but must take shape in our daily actions and decisions. May Allah guide us in building a Pakistan that is accessible and inclusive for all,” he added.

Protection of PDs’ rights, provision of equal facilities, among govt’s top priorities: PM

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Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated that the protection of fundamental rights of all citizens, especially persons with disabilities (PDs) and vulnerable segments and the provision of equal facilities to all, were among the government’s top priorities.
In a message on the ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD),’ being observed on December 3, he said the Government of Pakistan fully acknowledged the importance of safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities and was working diligently to protect them.
“The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights and participation for all citizens. People with disabilities are a key part of our society’s social, societal, and cultural fabric. Physical limitations do not hamper human mental abilities or rights,” PM Office Media Wing, in a press release, quoted the prime minister as saying.
The prime minister said that the day was being observed worldwide, including in Pakistan, with a firm commitment to ensuring the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and their inclusion in all aspects of life as an essential part of national development.
This year, the theme of the day was “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” he said, adding in this regard, all necessary and effective measures were being taken to create an sympathetic, friendly and supportive society for persons with disabilities.
In the legal framework, he said, the federal and provincial disability rights acts provided necessary legal protection for such individuals and these laws also provided the foundation for their registration, assistance, support and other effective services.
The prime minister observed the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Council and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) were actively working to monitor the rights and strengthen government policy measures.
In addition, other initiatives launched by the government which showed its commitment in this regard, included medical examinations every 15 days, disability certificates for persons with disabilities, provision of assistive devices, skills development programmes, training to enhance capabilities, job quotas for persons with disabilities and measures to ensure easy access in workplaces, he added.
The prime minister further said the government was committed to ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities at every level and in every sector of society.
The government has taken concrete actions to convert policies and commitments into practical, ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to education, health, employment and full participation in social life, he said and stressed that there was, however, still a need for more effective measures to address the representation and issues of this segment of society.
The prime minister also commended the efforts of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Council and Ministry of Human Rights, saying that the ministry was working diligently to protect and strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities.
“The full inclusion of persons with disabilities is a test of the effectiveness and efficiency of the social system. It also serves as a reminder for us to further evolve a comprehensive strategy to make the system more effective,” he underlined.
The prime minister urged the public, provincial governments, relevant private institutions, civil society, teachers and all leading members of society to join hands in moving forward towards a destination where persons with disabilities could fully utilize their abilities and become an active part of society in a friendly and supportive environment.
Their commitment to the protection of all citizens’ health, dignity, and respect, free from any form of discrimination or social inequality, should be unwavering, he emphasised.
“Let us renew our pledge today to make even more collaborative and effective efforts for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, so that we can completely fulfill our responsibilities in this regard,” he added.

UN Warns of Rising Digital Violence as Pakistan Marks ‘16 Days of Activism’

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): The United Nations (UN) in Pakistan opened its observance of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on Tuesday with a strong call for urgent action to counter the rapid intensification of digital violence against women and girls.
The event, held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), highlighted that nearly half of the world’s women and girls remain without legal protection from online abuse.
Federal Minister for Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar chaired the ceremony, which coincided with the launch of Seen & Unseen, a major exhibition featuring leading Pakistani artists and curated in partnership with UN agencies. UN Women Regional Director Christine Arab attended as guest of honour.
Arab urged investment in young people’s leadership, noting that gender-equal innovation is essential to creating safe digital spaces. She also unveiled UN Women’s Firewall Feminist Lab, aimed at strengthening protections for women online.
Acting UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Pernille Ironside warned that digital platforms have become a “minefield of harassment and abuse” for millions of women and girls. She called for stronger legislation, accountability for perpetrators and technology companies, and urgent adaptation of laws to match evolving technologies.
The Islamabad gathering was one of five UN-led events across Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Karachi and the capital. The series brought together government officials, lawmakers, law enforcement, civil society, and 13 UN agencies to address online safety, legal gaps, survivor support and the societal impacts of digital abuse.
Digital violence — including cyberstalking, online harassment, doxing, deepfakes and non-consensual image sharing — is expanding rapidly, driven by artificial intelligence, anonymity and weak regulatory frameworks. UN officials noted that online abuse often spills into real-world harm.
Senator Tarar stressed that technology has transformed the nature of abuse, and institutions must respond accordingly. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening protections and ensuring women and girls can participate safely in society both online and offline.
During the event, UNDP and UNFPA presented initiatives on technology-facilitated gender-based violence; IOM shared survivor testimonies; UNFPA premiered its new reels on child marriage titled Salma Lives; and WHO outlined the health impacts of gender-based violence.
The UN urged global cooperation to enforce safety standards for digital platforms and AI tools; expanded funding for women’s rights organizations; stronger enforcement of cyber laws; greater inclusion of women in the tech sector; and broad investment in prevention through digital literacy and cultural change.
The Seen & Unseen exhibition, featuring 19 artists, will run at PNCA from 3–13 December with free entry.
The 16 Days campaign runs annually from 25 November to 10 December, linking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to Human Rights Day. This year’s theme focuses on combating digital violence — one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse worldwide.
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