2025 nears record global heat
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that 2025 is projected to be the second or third warmest year on record, extending an 11-year streak (2015-2025) of unprecedented global heat. From January to August 2025, global temperatures averaged 1.42°C above pre-industrial levels, slightly below 2024’s record 1.55°C, influenced by a shift from El Niño to neutral or La Niña conditions. Despite this, greenhouse gas concentrations, ocean heat, and sea levels continue to rise, while Arctic and Antarctic sea ice remain severely diminished. Extreme weather-floods, heatwaves, and wildfires-has caused widespread disruption. The WMO warns that limiting warming to 1.5°C under the Paris Agreement is increasingly difficult, though temporary overshoot can still be reversed by century’s end. UN and WMO leaders urge urgent, large-scale climate action. The report, released at COP30 in Belém, highlights progress in early warning systems but notes 40 per centof countries still lack them.
Tiger Memon Properties Set
Properties owned by 1993 Mumbai serial blasts accused Tiger Memon and his family are set to be auctioned soon, officials said. The Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act Authority (SAFEMA) received details of 17 properties from the special TADA court and has taken possession of eight, including three flats in Mahim’s Al Husseini building, where one of the blasts conspiracy meetings reportedly took place. Tiger Memon, absconding since the 1993 attacks that killed 257 people, is believed to be in Pakistan. While his brother Yakub Memon was executed in 2015, other relatives served prison terms. Valuation of the seized assets is underway, and auctions may begin by December or January.
AIFF Opens Door to Diaspora
In a landmark move for Indian football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has included overseas-based players Ryan Williams and Abneet Bharti in the national camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on November 18 in Dhaka. This marks a new, inclusive approach allowing Indian-origin and naturalised players to represent India. Williams, a 31-year-old midfielder born in Perth with Mumbai roots, previously played for Australia and English clubs before joining Bengaluru FC. He recently obtained Indian citizenship, with AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey crediting Sunil Chhetri and Government support for fast-tracking the process. Bharti, a 27-year-old defender based in Brazil, plays for Bolivian club ABB and has represented several international clubs.
