A dangerous trend has emerged among young Russians, fueled by the unlicensed weight loss drug ‘Molecule,’ which has gone viral on TikTok. Promising rapid weight loss, the pill has been aggressively marketed with captions like ‘Take Molecule and forget food exists’ and ‘Do you want to sit in the back of the class in oversized clothes?’ The drug, packaged in blue boxes with holographic labels, has gained popularity through social media ‘weight-loss journeys’ shared by teenagers. However, the consequences have been severe. Maria, a 22-year-old from St. Petersburg, experienced extreme side effects, including dry mouth, loss of appetite, severe anxiety, and negative thoughts. ‘These pills were having a profound effect on my psyche,’ she said. Other users reported dilated pupils, tremors, insomnia, and hospitalizations. At least three schoolchildren have been hospitalized, including a 13-year-old boy who suffered hallucinations and panic attacks after being teased about his weight. Investigations revealed that Molecule contains sibutramine, a substance banned in many countries due to its links to heart attacks and strokes. Despite being illegal without a prescription in Russia, the drug is widely sold online, often mislabeled as ‘dietary supplements’ or ‘sports nutrition.’ Endocrinologist Ksenia Solovieva warned of the risks of overdose, emphasizing the lack of regulation. Despite government efforts to curb its sale, Molecule continues to appear under new names and packaging. Online communities promoting eating disorders have also become hubs for Molecule promotion. Influencer Anna Enina, who has struggled with eating disorders, urged her followers to avoid the drug, stating, ‘The consequences will be dire.’ Maria, now a vocal critic, discourages others from using Molecule, but the drug remains popular, leaving a trail of health crises in its wake.
作者： admin
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300 million tourists just visited China’s stunning Xinjiang region. There’s a side they didn’t see
In 2024, Xinjiang, China’s northwestern region, witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism, welcoming over 300 million visitors—more than double the figure recorded in 2018. This influx comes despite the region’s controversial past, marked by allegations of human rights abuses and cultural suppression. The Chinese government has invested heavily in infrastructure and promotional campaigns, rebranding Xinjiang as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international tourists.
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Three pedestrians die in separate crashes
A series of tragic road incidents over the weekend resulted in the deaths of three pedestrians in different counties across the Republic of Ireland. The fatal collisions occurred in Galway, Kildare, and Carlow between Friday night and Saturday afternoon, leaving communities in mourning and authorities urging for public assistance.
The first incident took place on Friday evening shortly after 11:30 PM local time on the Tuam Road in Loughgeorge, County Galway. An elderly man in his 80s lost his life after being struck by a car. The following day, at approximately 3:30 PM, a man in his 30s was fatally hit by a bus on the N7 motorway in Kill, County Kildare. Just an hour later, another tragedy unfolded in Ballyroughan Big, County Carlow, where a man in his 40s died after being hit by a car.
In response to these incidents, Gardaí (Irish police) have launched investigations and are appealing to the public for any information or dashcam footage that could aid in understanding the circumstances surrounding these collisions. The authorities emphasized the importance of road safety and urged drivers and pedestrians alike to remain vigilant.
These incidents have cast a somber shadow over the affected communities, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve road safety measures and prevent such tragedies in the future.
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Shein accused of selling childlike sex dolls in France
French authorities have launched an investigation into the Asian fast fashion retailer Shein following allegations of selling ‘sex dolls with a childlike appearance’ on its platform. The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) flagged the products, stating that their online descriptions and categorizations ‘make it difficult to doubt the child pornography nature of the content.’ The DGCCRF has escalated the matter to French prosecutors and Arcom, the nation’s online and broadcasting regulator. Shein responded swiftly, telling the BBC that the controversial products were ‘immediately delisted’ upon discovery. The company also emphasized that its team is ‘investigating how these listings bypassed our screening measures’ and is conducting a ‘comprehensive review to identify and remove any similar items’ listed by third-party vendors. This controversy arises just days before Shein is scheduled to open its first permanent physical store worldwide, located in a Parisian department store. The incident has sparked widespread concern and scrutiny over the platform’s content moderation practices.
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Full list of Israel’s ceasefire violations in Gaza
Since the Gaza ceasefire agreement was signed last month, Israel has been accused of repeatedly violating its terms. Reports indicate a series of unprovoked actions, including air strikes, shootings, arrests, and incursions beyond agreed deployment lines. Israel has justified these actions by citing alleged breaches by Hamas and other Palestinian groups, but Hamas has denied these claims, asserting full compliance with the ceasefire terms. Many of these violations have targeted civilians without clear justification. According to the Gaza-based Government Media Office, as of October 28, Israeli forces had carried out 52 shootings and 55 shellings across the Gaza Strip, resulting in 226 deaths, including 97 children, and 594 injuries. Additionally, at least 11 civilian homes have been demolished, and Israeli forces have deployed explosive-laden robots to destroy buildings. The Rafah crossing, crucial for humanitarian aid, remains closed, preventing critically wounded individuals from seeking treatment abroad. Only a fraction of the agreed-upon aid has been delivered, with essential medical supplies and heavy machinery for clearing rubble still blocked. Hamas has also accused Israel of breaching the prisoner exchange agreement, failing to provide a complete list of detainees and delaying the release of women and children. Despite these violations, Hamas has returned 20 living captives and 17 bodies under the agreement, with 11 more believed to remain buried in Gaza. The ongoing violations and humanitarian crisis highlight the fragility of the ceasefire and the urgent need for international intervention.
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UK announces £5 million aid for Sudan after ‘truly horrifying’ reports
The United Kingdom has pledged an additional £5 million ($6.57 million) in emergency aid to Sudan following alarming reports of widespread atrocities committed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Al-Fasher. This funding supplements the £120 million already committed by the UK over the past year. A significant portion of the new aid, £2 million, is earmarked to support survivors of sexual violence in the region. The RSF, which has been in conflict with the Sudanese army since April 2023, recently captured Al-Fasher, the army’s last stronghold in the western Darfur region, after an 18-month siege characterized by bombardment and starvation. UK Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper described the situation as ‘truly horrifying,’ citing mass executions, starvation, and the use of rape as a weapon of war. She emphasized that women and children are disproportionately affected in what she termed ‘the largest humanitarian crisis of the 21st century.’ The UK Foreign Office has reiterated its commitment to urging all parties to cease hostilities, protect civilians, and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access.
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British police say multiple people were stabbed on a train near Cambridge and 2 individuals arrested
A violent incident unfolded on a train near Cambridge, England, on Saturday evening, leaving multiple individuals injured from stabbings. British Transport Police reported that the attack occurred on a train bound for Huntingdon, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that a significant number of medical personnel were dispatched to the scene, with several victims being transported to hospitals for treatment. Cambridgeshire Constabulary, the local police force, revealed that armed officers were deployed to Huntingdon station after receiving reports of the incident at 7:39 p.m. Two suspects were apprehended at the station, which is located approximately 75 miles north of London. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences on social media, stating that his thoughts were with those affected by the ‘appalling incident.’ Paul Bristow, the mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, described the event as involving ‘horrendous scenes’ on the train.
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O’Brien’s dominate opening day at Breeders’ Cup as Godolphin eye Saturday glory
The 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships kicked off with a spectacular display of horsemanship at Del Mar, California, as the O’Brien family dominated the opening day. Aidan O’Brien, already a legend in the sport, secured his record-breaking 21st Breeders’ Cup victory with Ireland-bred Gstaad in the $1 million Juvenile Turf. His son, Donnacha O’Brien, followed suit, claiming his first Breeders’ Cup triumph as a trainer with Balantina’s thrilling victory in the $1 million Juvenile Fillies. The O’Brien dynasty’s success underscored their enduring influence in global horse racing. Meanwhile, Godolphin, the Dubai-owned racing powerhouse, faced setbacks on Friday but remains a formidable contender for Saturday’s championship races. Rebel’s Romance, aiming for a historic third consecutive win in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf, leads Godolphin’s charge. The absence of Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty, withdrawn due to illness, cast a shadow over the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, but the event still promises high-stakes drama with the world’s top Thoroughbreds competing for racing immortality.
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Remains handed over to Israel not those of Gaza hostages, Israeli media report
Israeli media reported on Saturday that the partial remains of three deceased individuals transferred from Gaza to Israel are not those of any hostages held in the Palestinian territory. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed late on Friday that it facilitated the transfer of the remains to Israeli authorities for identification. However, DNA testing conducted by Israeli forensic authorities revealed that the remains did not match any known hostages. Hamas stated on Saturday that it initially offered three samples from unidentified bodies for testing, but Israel insisted on receiving the full remains, a condition Hamas later agreed to. Currently, the bodies of 11 hostages, including two foreign nationals, are believed to remain in Gaza. Since a US-brokered ceasefire took effect on October 10, following a two-year war, Hamas has released 20 living hostages and handed over the remains of 17 others. The ceasefire, which left unresolved issues such as the disarmament of Hamas and a timeline for Israeli withdrawal, has been periodically tested by outbreaks of violence.
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RTA announces extended metro timings for Dubai Ride on November 2
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced extended Metro timings to facilitate participants of the Dubai Ride event on November 2. The Metro will operate from 3:00 AM until midnight, ensuring smooth commuting for thousands of cyclists. This initiative is part of the month-long Dubai Fitness Challenge, which encourages residents to engage in various sporting activities, from beginner to advanced levels. Additionally, Salik has introduced revised toll rates for the same day to accommodate the event. Road closures will be in effect from 3:30 AM to 10:30 AM along the cycling routes, which include iconic landmarks such as the Museum of the Future, Dubai Water Canal, and the Burj Khalifa. Participants can also rent Careem bikes for free on a first-come, first-served basis from 3:00 AM to 8:00 AM, with waived extra-time fees for rides exceeding 45 minutes. The event offers diverse routes, including a 12km path along Sheikh Zayed Road and a family-friendly 4km loop in Downtown Dubai. Special accommodations are available for People of Determination, with options for hand cycles, tandem bikes, and adapted bicycles. Advanced cyclists can challenge themselves with Speed Laps, requiring a minimum speed of 30kmph on racer bikes. Dubai Ride exemplifies the city’s commitment to promoting fitness and inclusivity, making it a highlight of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.