In a significant development, prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Monday that they are taking immediate steps to preserve evidence of potential war crimes committed in Sudan’s Darfur region. This follows the capture of the key city of El-Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, after an 18-month siege. Reports indicate that hundreds of civilians were killed, with witnesses describing horrific acts of violence, including house-to-house killings and sexual assaults. The World Health Organization has confirmed that at least 460 people were killed in a hospital attack, with medical staff abducted. The ICC’s statement emphasized that these alleged atrocities may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, reflecting a broader pattern of violence in Darfur. The fall of El-Fasher marks a new phase in the two-year conflict between the RSF and Sudan’s military, which has devastated the region. ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan had previously informed the UN Security Council in January that both government forces and the RSF might be committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide. Khan has temporarily stepped down pending an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. Earlier this month, the ICC achieved a landmark conviction in a Darfur case, finding Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman guilty of mass executions and other atrocities.
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NMC Healthcare offers 50% discount on prostate screening and ultrasound in November
In observance of Men’s Health Awareness Month, also known as ‘Movember,’ NMC Healthcare has announced a significant initiative to promote prostate health among men aged 40 and above. Throughout November, the healthcare provider is offering a 50% discount on Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening and ultrasound services. This campaign aims to heighten awareness about prostate cancer and underscore the importance of early detection through regular screenings. The discounted package includes a complimentary consultation with an NMC physician to review results, discuss potential next steps, and address any health concerns. Appointments can be conveniently booked online via www.nmc.ae or by contacting any of NMC’s hospitals and clinics across the UAE. Dr. Zakaullah Khan, Chief Clinical Officer of NMC Healthcare, emphasized the critical role of early screening in detecting prostate cancer at its most treatable stages. He urged men to take advantage of this opportunity to prioritize their health, stating, ‘A simple screening process can make a significant difference in outcomes.’ For further details, visit NMC Healthcare’s official website at https://nmc.ae/en.
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‘Just the beginning’: India captain says plan is to make Women’s World Cup win a habit
In a historic moment for Indian cricket, the women’s team clinched their first-ever Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur hailed the victory as “just the beginning,” emphasizing the team’s ambition to make such triumphs a regular occurrence. The win came after India’s previous heartbreaks in 2005 and 2017, where they finished as runners-up. Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma were the standout performers, with Verma scoring a crucial 87 and Sharma taking five wickets, including the decisive dismissal of South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who had valiantly scored 101. The match, delayed by rain, saw India post a challenging total of 298-7 before bowling out South Africa for 246 in 45.3 overs. Kaur’s strategic decision to bring in Verma as a part-time spinner proved pivotal, turning the tide in India’s favor. The victory was celebrated by a jubilant home crowd and millions across the cricket-crazy nation, marking a significant milestone for women’s cricket in India. Kaur expressed her pride in the team’s resilience, especially after overcoming three consecutive defeats in the league phase and defeating seven-time champions Australia in the semi-final. For South Africa, it was a third consecutive World Cup final loss, but captain Wolvaardt remained optimistic, vowing to grow from the experience. Sharma, named the tournament’s best player, concluded with 22 wickets and 215 runs, cementing her status as a key player in India’s historic win.
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India’s October power output sees sharpest drop since Covid-19 as rains dampen demand
India’s electricity generation experienced its sharpest decline in October since the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by a combination of economic slowdown and unusually heavy rainfall. According to a Reuters analysis of government data, total power output fell by 6% year-on-year to 142.45 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh). The persistent rains across the country significantly reduced the demand for cooling, while subdued industrial activity further contributed to the downturn. Bhanu Patni, associate director at India Ratings and Research, noted that the extended rainfall led to lower electricity consumption compared to the previous year. Debabrat Ghosh, head of India for Aurora Energy, added that the timing of major festivals in October also resulted in reduced industrial power demand. Coal-fired electricity generation, which typically accounts for 75% of India’s power output, saw its steepest decline since June 2020, dropping by 13.2% to 98.38 billion kWh. This decline has impacted Coal India, the nation’s largest coal producer, which reported its worst profit decline in five years for the quarter ending September. However, renewable energy output surged by 30.2% to 19.75 billion kWh, highlighting a shift towards cleaner energy sources.
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China launches new remote sensing satellite
On November 3, 2025, China achieved another milestone in its space exploration endeavors with the successful launch of the Yaogan 46 remote sensing satellite. The launch took place at 11:47 am Beijing Time from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, located in the southern island province of Hainan. The satellite was carried into space by a modified Long March 7 carrier rocket, marking the 605th flight mission of the Long March rocket series. The Yaogan 46 satellite has successfully entered its preset orbit and is expected to play a crucial role in various fields, including disaster prevention and relief, land resource surveys, hydrology, and meteorology. This launch underscores China’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to leveraging satellite technology for practical applications that benefit society.
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Mississippi mum fatally shoots escaped research monkey
A chaotic scene unfolded in Mississippi last week after a truck transporting monkeys overturned, leading to the escape of several primates. One of the escaped monkeys was shot dead by Jessica Bond Ferguson, a local mother of five, who claimed she acted out of concern for her children’s safety. Ferguson stated that she and other residents had been warned the monkeys might carry diseases. “I did what any other mother would do to protect her children,” she told the Associated Press. The monkeys were being transported from Tulane University’s National Biomedical Research Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, where they were housed for scientific research. Officials from the university clarified that the monkeys did not carry any infectious agents. Ferguson’s 16-year-old son alerted her to a monkey in their backyard, prompting her to grab her gun and cell phone. She described shooting the animal twice before it fell. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the incident, noting that the monkey was later taken into custody by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Confusion persists regarding the escape, including the number of monkeys transported, their ownership, and the cause of the truck accident. Tulane University emphasized that it did not own, transport, or have custody of the monkeys at the time of the incident but sent animal care experts to assist. Videos circulating online showed the monkeys moving through tall grass near the highway, with wooden crates labeled “live animals” visible. The transported monkeys were Rhesus macaques, a species commonly used in biomedical research, particularly for infectious disease studies and vaccine development.
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Irish government could charge asylum seekers for accommodation
The Irish government is considering implementing a new policy that would require working asylum seekers to contribute up to €238 (£208) per week towards the cost of their state-provided accommodation. This proposal, spearheaded by Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and his junior minister Colm Brophy, aims to reduce the financial burden on the state as it grapples with an unprecedented influx of asylum seekers and refugees. As of July, there were 32,774 international protection applicants living in state accommodation in Ireland. The proposed charges would be tiered based on weekly earnings, ranging from €15 (£13) for those earning €97.01 (£85) to €150 (£131) per week, up to €238 (£208) for those earning €600 (£526) or more. Asylum seekers who fail to pay these charges could face legal action, debt collection, and even potential denial of citizenship if they have outstanding debts. Currently, asylum seekers receive a weekly allowance of €38.80 (£34) per adult and €29.80 (£26) per child. The proposal will be discussed at a cabinet sub-committee meeting on Monday, and if approved, it will proceed to a full cabinet meeting for final approval. The government estimates that approximately 7,600 asylum seekers would be eligible to pay these charges. Additionally, the Irish Department of Justice has warned that the current influx of Ukrainian refugees could exhaust the state’s accommodation capacity by the end of November. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, over 120,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Ireland, with 83,000 currently residing there. The government is also considering reducing the duration of state accommodation for new refugee arrivals from 90 days to 30 days and phasing out the €600 (£526) payment to those housing Ukrainian refugees. These changes, however, may not take effect until late 2026 or early 2027.
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In Uganda, where Zohran Mamdani was born, NYC mayoral hopeful is recalled with pride
In a remarkable political ascent, Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Ugandan-born democratic socialist, is poised to potentially become New York City’s first Muslim mayor and the first of Indian descent. His journey began humbly in Kampala, Uganda, where he interned at the Daily Monitor newspaper as a teenager under the mentorship of journalist Angelo Izama. Mamdani, described as intensely curious and ambitious, aspired to be a “top reporter” and developed a passion for current affairs, a trait encouraged by his father, Mahmood Mamdani, a renowned Columbia University professor. His mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, is an Academy Award-nominated director. Despite leaving Uganda as a child, Mamdani maintained strong ties to his homeland, regularly returning and celebrating his Ugandan heritage, including his recent marriage in Kampala. Naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2018, Mamdani’s political career began as a community organizer in Queens, New York, where he advocated for vulnerable homeowners facing eviction. His unexpected victory over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary sent shockwaves through the political world. Mamdani’s campaign focuses on progressive policies, including free city buses, childcare, rent freezes, and government-run grocery stores, funded by taxes on the wealthy. His candidacy has drawn both support and controversy, with endorsements from prominent figures like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, while facing baseless allegations from former President Donald Trump. Mamdani’s rise is seen as a beacon of hope and inspiration, particularly for young Africans disillusioned by entrenched political systems. However, analysts like Nicholas Sengoba note that such success would be harder to achieve in Uganda, where political opportunities are often limited. Mamdani’s story underscores the transformative potential of perseverance and ambition in a land of opportunity.
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Former Prince Andrew to lose his last military rank, says UK defence minister
The UK government has announced its decision to strip former Prince Andrew of his last remaining military title, the honorary rank of vice-admiral. This move follows King Charles III’s recent decision to revoke all of Andrew’s remaining royal titles and honors, a response to growing public outrage over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Defence Minister John Healey confirmed the decision during an interview with the BBC, stating that the government is acting under the guidance of the king. He also hinted at the possibility of Andrew losing his military medals, though no final decision has been made. Andrew, once celebrated for his service as a Royal Navy helicopter pilot during the 1982 Falklands War, retired from active duty in 2001 after 22 years of service. His fall from grace began in 2022 when his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, stripped him of his honorary military titles after he was sued by Virginia Giuffre, Epstein’s primary accuser. Giuffre alleged in her memoir, published posthumously in October, that she was trafficked to have sex with Andrew on three occasions, including twice when she was just 17. Andrew has consistently denied these allegations. Buckingham Palace issued a strongly worded statement last Thursday, announcing that Andrew would no longer be referred to as a prince and would instead be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. The statement emphasized that these measures were necessary and expressed the king and queen’s sympathy for victims of abuse. A friend of the royal couple described the statement as an unprecedented judgment on Andrew’s actions. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump expressed sympathy for the royal family, calling the situation tragic. The scandal has cast a long shadow over the British monarchy, with concerns about reputational damage growing. Camilla, the queen consort, has been a vocal advocate for abuse victims, and the royal family has increasingly prioritized amplifying the voices of survivors. The controversy has also reignited discussions about Andrew’s 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, where he defended his ties to Epstein and showed little empathy for the women involved. The latest developments mark a significant chapter in the ongoing fallout from Andrew’s association with Epstein, further distancing him from his former roles and titles.
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Maldives bans smoking for younger generations
The Maldives has taken a groundbreaking step in public health by implementing a nationwide ban on tobacco use for individuals born on or after January 1, 2007. This makes the archipelago the first country in the world to enforce a generational tobacco prohibition. The health ministry announced the new law on Saturday, making it illegal for younger generations to purchase, sell, or use tobacco products. The ban underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding youth from the detrimental effects of tobacco, aligning with the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Ahmed Afaal, vice chair of the Maldives’ tobacco control board, highlighted that the country’s prior ban on vaping in 2023 was a crucial precursor to this measure, aimed at curbing the tobacco industry’s tactics of targeting younger demographics. The new regulation extends to all forms of tobacco, with retailers mandated to verify buyers’ ages. Tourists visiting the Maldives must also comply with the law, though officials assert that the ban will not deter tourism, as visitors are drawn to the islands’ natural beauty rather than smoking opportunities. Despite similar efforts being abandoned in New Zealand and still under deliberation in the UK, the Maldives remains steadfast in its pursuit of a tobacco-free future. The country projects over 2 million tourist arrivals in the coming year, signaling confidence in the policy’s compatibility with its thriving tourism industry.