Du Yubo, the former vice-minister of education in China, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for accepting bribes exceeding 67 million yuan ($9.46 million). The verdict was delivered by the Linfen Intermediate People’s Court in Shanxi province on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. In addition to the prison term, Du was fined 6 million yuan, and his illicit gains, along with related interest, were ordered to be confiscated. The court highlighted that the bribery amount was ‘extremely large,’ justifying severe punishment. However, leniency was granted due to Du’s voluntary disclosure of previously unknown bribes, his confession, and his active efforts to return the illegal proceeds. Du, 70, a native of Hebei province, began his career in 1974 and joined the Communist Party of China in 1975. He held various significant positions, including vice-president of Beijing Institute of Technology and vice-minister of education, which he used to facilitate private college establishments, project contracts, and enrollment and employment arrangements in exchange for bribes from 2000 to August 2024. Du’s downfall began in September 2024 when he was investigated for severe violations of Party discipline and national laws. He was expelled from the Party in March 2025 and indicted three months later. His hearing in August 2025 was attended by over 30 individuals, including national legislators and political advisers.
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Mother sentenced to life in prison for New Zealand’s ‘suitcase murders’
A New Zealand court has sentenced Hakyung Lee, a 45-year-old mother, to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of her two young children in a case that has shocked the nation. The crime, referred to as the ‘suitcase murders,’ involved Lee poisoning her six-year-old son Minu Jo and eight-year-old daughter Yuna Jo in 2018 by lacing their fruit juice with an overdose of prescription medication. Following the deaths, Lee wrapped the children’s bodies in plastic bags and concealed them in suitcases, which were stored in a suburban warehouse on the outskirts of Auckland. The bodies remained undiscovered until 2022, when an unsuspecting family purchased the storage locker at an auction and made the grim discovery. Police used DNA and forensic evidence to identify the victims and trace the crime back to Lee, who had fled to her native South Korea after the murders. She was eventually extradited to New Zealand to face trial. During the sentencing hearing, High Court Judge Geoffrey Venning described the children as ‘particularly vulnerable’ and imposed a minimum non-parole period of 17 years. Lee showed little emotion in court, bowing her head as the sentence was delivered. The trial revealed that Lee, grieving the death of her husband from cancer, had initially planned to kill herself alongside her children but failed to do so. Her defense argued that she was not guilty by reason of insanity, citing severe depression and suicidal thoughts. However, the prosecution countered that her actions were calculated, pointing to her efforts to hide the bodies and flee the country. The case has left deep emotional scars on Lee’s family, with her mother and brother-in-law expressing profound grief and anger over the loss of the children.
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A Dubai Original Steps into Its Next Era: Inside BurJuman Mall’s Transformation
BurJuman Mall, one of Dubai’s pioneering retail landmarks, has unveiled the culmination of a comprehensive multi-year transformation that has fundamentally reimagined the 1991-established property. The reinvention, initiated in 2023, represents a strategic pivot from traditional retail to an experience-centric urban hub designed for contemporary consumers.
The metamorphosis extended beyond aesthetic enhancements to incorporate profound structural and operational improvements. Over 75,000 square meters of retail and public space underwent redevelopment, featuring optimized walkability, reconfigured escalators, modernized entrances, and the newly created Entrance 5 providing direct Level 1 access from Al Mankhool. These infrastructural upgrades have yielded measurable success, with double-digit growth in both foot traffic and sales performance compared to previous years.
At the core of the transformation lies a meticulously curated retail mix featuring approximately 70 new additions including Centrepoint, Puma, Steve Madden, and Rivoli Group, elevating occupancy rates to approximately 90%. The dining experience has been revolutionized through the redeveloped food court and The Deck—an outdoor terrace area designed to emulate urban social spaces with natural light and greenery.
Digital innovation permeates the visitor journey through ticketless parking systems, interactive directories, and digital gift cards. The mall has further strengthened its community appeal with B Hub and B Hive—repurposed spaces attracting thousands monthly and achieving a remarkable 72% Net Promoter Score through collaborative programming and events.
CEO Ghaith Shocair characterized the transformation as “a renewed chapter” for the mall, emphasizing enhanced accessibility through a new metro entrance and forthcoming elevator at Entrance 3. The mall’s rebranding campaign, “Right in the Heart,” serves as both geographic descriptor and philosophical statement, reflecting BurJuman’s commitment to connection, discovery, and elevated everyday experiences.
With its central Bur Dubai location, direct metro connectivity, and over 24 million annual visitors, the transformed BurJuman Mall positions itself as an inclusive, innovative destination ready for Dubai’s future retail landscape.
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Former Peruvian President Vizcarra gets 14 years in prison in corruption case
In a landmark ruling on Wednesday, a Peruvian court handed down a 14-year prison sentence to former President Martín Vizcarra for his involvement in a corruption scandal during his tenure as governor of Moquegua, a southern state in Peru. The court also imposed a nine-year ban on Vizcarra from holding any public office. The verdict stems from allegations that Vizcarra accepted illicit payments totaling approximately $611,000 from construction companies in exchange for awarding them lucrative contracts for two major infrastructure projects: an irrigation system and a hospital. Prosecutors had initially sought a 15-year sentence, but the court settled on 14 years, emphasizing the gravity of the offenses. This case underscores Peru’s ongoing struggle with political corruption and its efforts to hold high-ranking officials accountable for their actions.
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Czech president ready to swear in Babiš as prime minister if conflict of interest is resolved
In a pivotal development in Czech politics, President Petr Pavel announced on Wednesday that he is prepared to appoint populist billionaire Andrej Babiš as prime minister within a week, provided Babiš addresses concerns over potential conflicts of interest arising from his extensive business empire and political role. This follows Babiš’s ANO (YES) movement’s victory in the recent parliamentary elections, which paved the way for a coalition government with the Freedom and Direct Democracy party and the right-wing Motorists for Themselves. The coalition has agreed to form a 16-member Cabinet, with ANO holding eight positions, including the prime minister’s office. However, the president emphasized the need for Babiš to comply with the country’s stringent conflict-of-interest laws, which were amended in 2023 to prevent politicians from leveraging their wealth and power. Babiš, who owns around 200 companies under the Agrofert conglomerate and has significant investments in healthcare, must ensure his businesses remain eligible for state and EU subsidies. During a meeting with the president, Babiš presented his proposed Cabinet lineup and expressed his desire to have the new government in place by mid-December. However, the coalition’s nomination of Filip Turek, honorary president of the Motorists, sparked controversy due to his past racist, homophobic, and sexist remarks. President Pavel rejected Turek’s candidacy, deeming him unfit for a ministerial role. The coalition, known for its critical stance on EU policies, particularly regarding the environment and migration, is also expected to shift the country’s position on supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia.
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UAE: Girl returns money she found in public place; Ajman Police honour honesty
In a heartwarming display of integrity, a young girl named Shaimaa Ali has been honored by Ajman Police for her honesty after she returned a sum of money she found in a public place. The incident occurred when Shaimaa discovered the money and immediately requested her elder sister to accompany her to the Musherif Police Station to hand it over to the authorities. The police station hosted a special ceremony to recognize her commendable act, where officers posed with Shaimaa and her father, celebrating her positive attitude. At the event, Shaimaa was presented with a certificate of appreciation and a gift, acknowledging her honesty. Brigadier General Al Muhairi, who attended the ceremony, praised Shaimaa’s actions, emphasizing that such behavior reflects good upbringing and social awareness. He highlighted the importance of promoting a culture of returning lost items and protecting public property. This incident is not isolated in the UAE, as similar acts of honesty have been frequently reported. For instance, in September, Dubai Police honored a student for returning a lost wallet containing cash and a cheque valued at Dh200,000, and in April, a citizen was recognized for returning a lost passport and money. These acts underscore the UAE’s commitment to fostering values of honesty and community responsibility.
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Chelsea dominate Barca in Champions League, Man City lose
In a stunning display of dominance, Chelsea FC delivered a masterclass performance to defeat FC Barcelona 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in Tuesday’s Champions League fixture. The comprehensive victory was highlighted by teenage sensation Estevao’s spectacular individual effort, cementing Chelsea’s position among the tournament favorites.
The match turned decisively in Chelsea’s favor when Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo received his second yellow card just before halftime, reducing the Catalan giants to ten men. Chelsea had already taken the lead through a Jules Kounde own goal in the 27th minute, capitalizing on defensive confusion from a well-worked corner routine.
Estevao, the 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy, stole the spotlight from his much-hyped counterpart Lamine Yamal with a breathtaking solo goal in the 55th minute. Receiving the ball on the right flank, he danced past two defenders before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the roof of the net. Substitute Liam Delap completed the scoring in the 73rd minute to seal a memorable victory.
Meanwhile, Manchester City suffered their first Champions League defeat of the campaign after manager Pep Guardiola made sweeping changes to his starting lineup. Resting key players including Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva, City fell 2-0 to Bayer Leverkusen at the Etihad Stadium. Alex Grimaldo and Patrik Schick found the net for the German visitors, exposing City’s rotated defense.
In other Champions League action, Marseille mounted a comeback victory against Newcastle United with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring twice after Ashley Barnes’ early opener. Juventus secured a dramatic 3-2 win against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt thanks to Jonathan David’s injury-time winner, while Borussia Dortmund cruised to a 4-0 victory over Villarreal despite missing two penalties.
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Exclusive: Sudan’s RSF took blood from civilians trying to flee el-Fasher
In a harrowing revelation, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan have been accused of forcibly extracting blood from civilians in North Darfur, marking another grim chapter in the ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The atrocities, which include rape, executions, and ransom demands, have been described as part of a broader campaign of terror.
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US Senator Jim Justice agrees to pay over $5m in long-overdue taxes
Senator Jim Justice, a prominent Republican figure and former governor of West Virginia, has agreed to settle a staggering $5 million in overdue taxes, just hours after being sued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The settlement resolves a lawsuit alleging that Justice and his wife failed to fulfill their tax obligations dating back to 2009. Justice, who transitioned from leading West Virginia to serving as a first-term senator in 2025, has a background rooted in his family’s extensive coal empire, which once controlled numerous mines across multiple states. In October, Justice dismissed the tax assessment against him as “politically motivated,” drawing parallels to the challenges faced by former President Donald Trump. The IRS revealed that the couple owed $5.16 million in back taxes and interest, which they have now agreed to repay in full, though a specific timeline remains undisclosed. Despite Forbes estimating Justice’s net worth at $1.9 billion in 2021, it plummeted to “less than zero” by 2025. The senator and his family are also grappling with additional financial pressures, including $1.4 million in liens related to unpaid sales taxes at their historic resort, The Greenbrier, and its sporting club. Furthermore, the IRS has filed over $8 million in liens against the couple for other unpaid personal taxes. The settlement marks a significant development in Justice’s ongoing financial and political challenges.
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Kashmir to Cannes: Rahul Bhat on ‘Kennedy’ and his new innings in Bollywood
Despite remaining unreleased in its home country, Anurag Kashyap’s critically acclaimed film ‘Kennedy’ continues to garner international recognition, with actor Rahul Bhat’s powerful performance as a supposedly deceased police officer operating in the shadows earning particular praise. The film received a remarkable seven-minute standing ovation at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, establishing Bhat’s transformation from television heartthrob to serious character actor.
Bhat’s journey from his childhood in Vichar Nag, Srinagar, to Bollywood exemplifies resilience amid adversity. Forced to flee during the Kashmiri Pandit exodus of 1989-90, his family lost everything in the displacement. “We anticipated returning home, but never did. All childhood memorabilia were plundered,” Bhat revealed during the film’s screening at Dubai’s Mitti Indian Independent Film Festival.
After relocating to Mumbai post-high school, Bhat initially found success in television, with his earnings skyrocketing from ₹7,000 to ₹1 lakh per episode during the peak of his TV career. However, his Bollywood debut in the commercially unsuccessful ‘Yeh Mohabbat Hai’ led to professional disillusionment. This setback prompted a strategic pivot toward production through his company Filmtonic, while simultaneously deepening his cinematic education through extensive film study.
The transformative reunion with filmmaker Anurag Kashyap in 2012 reignited Bhat’s acting career. Kashyap, recognizing Bhat’s untapped potential, cast him in ‘Ugly’ (which premiered at Cannes), followed by ‘Dobaara’ and ultimately the career-defining ‘Kennedy’. Bhat describes Kashyap’s directorial approach as uniquely magical: “He never explicitly instructs actors, yet guides them profoundly. For ‘Kennedy’, I mastered unconventional skills like peeling apples in one continuous motion and loading firearms blindfolded.”
Currently, Bhat maintains multiple upcoming projects including Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘The Wives’, Mayur Puri’s ‘Lost and Found in Kumbh’, and a Netflix series. Despite his darker roles, he embraces the emotional complexity: “An actor’s professional fluctuations are like ornaments—I derive meaning from them.” He remains deeply connected to his Kashmiri heritage, currently developing a personal film project drawn from his experiences, explaining: “In silence, my mind finds solace in memories of home, my Kashmir.”