Loudoun County, Virginia, often referred to as ‘Data Center Alley,’ is home to nearly 200 data centres spanning 45 million square metres. These facilities, which power the internet and artificial intelligence, have become a cornerstone of the global digital economy. However, their rapid expansion has sparked significant concerns among local residents.
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Iran declares major lender bankrupt in rare move
In an unprecedented move, Iran has declared Ayandeh Bank, one of its largest private financial institutions, bankrupt. The announcement, made on Saturday, marks a significant development in a country already grappling with severe international sanctions. Established in 2012, Ayandeh Bank boasted an extensive network of 270 branches nationwide, including 150 in Tehran alone. However, the bank had been struggling with mounting debts, with accumulated losses reaching approximately $5.2 billion and liabilities of around $2.9 billion, as reported by the ISNA news agency. The state-owned Melli Bank has now absorbed Ayandeh Bank’s assets following a directive from the Central Bank of Iran, which has assured depositors of the safety of their savings. ‘The transfer from Ayandeh Bank to Melli Bank is now complete,’ stated Melli Bank director Abolfazl Najarzadeh on state television. The bankruptcy was attributed to ‘bad debts,’ with over 90% of the bank’s funds reportedly allocated to related parties or internal projects that failed to generate returns, according to Hamidreza Ghaniabadi, an official at the Central Bank of Iran. Ayandeh Bank had been involved in ambitious ventures such as the Iran Mall shopping complex in Tehran, which features an ice rink and cinemas. The collapse of Ayandeh Bank is not an isolated incident, as five other Iranian banks—Sarmayeh, Day, Sepah, Iran Zamin, and Melal—are also facing financial difficulties. This development comes amid renewed international sanctions on Iran, reimposed by the United Nations in September after the breakdown of nuclear talks earlier this year. The sanctions, a ‘snapback’ of measures previously frozen under the 2015 nuclear deal, have further strained Iran’s economy, which has been under pressure since the U.S. withdrew from the agreement in 2018.
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UAE: Flying for Umrah? Return ticket a must during check-in, say travel agents
Travel operators in the UAE have reported that airlines and Saudi authorities have implemented stricter regulations for Umrah pilgrims, making a confirmed return ticket mandatory during check-in. This new rule aims to ensure clarity on each pilgrim’s travel dates and prevent overstays in Saudi Arabia. The regulation applies to all travelers, regardless of their visa type or nationality.
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Watch: Moment nuclear plant towers collapse during demolition
In a dramatic and meticulously planned operation, two towering structures at the Gundremmingen nuclear power plant in Germany were brought down in a controlled demolition. The iconic cooling towers, which had stood as a testament to the region’s nuclear energy history, collapsed into massive clouds of white dust, marking a significant moment in Germany’s transition away from nuclear power. The event, captured on video, showcased the precision of the demolition process, with the structures crumbling in unison. The Gundremmingen plant, once a key player in Germany’s energy grid, ceased operations in 2021 as part of the country’s broader shift toward renewable energy sources. The demolition symbolizes the end of an era for nuclear energy in Germany, a decision driven by environmental concerns and the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The site is expected to be repurposed for future sustainable energy projects.
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Pakistan defence minister warns of ‘open war’ with Afghanistan if peace talks fail
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif issued a stark warning on Saturday, stating that failure to reach an agreement in ongoing peace talks with Afghanistan could lead to ‘open war.’ The talks, currently underway in Istanbul, aim to establish a long-term mechanism to enforce the Doha ceasefire, which was agreed upon after recent deadly border clashes. Asif noted that both sides have adhered to the truce for the past four to five days, expressing optimism that Afghanistan desires peace. However, he emphasized that Pakistan is prepared for military escalation if negotiations fail. The recent clashes erupted after Pakistan demanded that the Taliban curb militants allegedly operating from Afghan soil. Pakistan conducted airstrikes across the border, resulting in heavy exchanges of fire, numerous casualties, and the closure of key crossings. While Islamabad accuses Kabul of harboring militants, the Taliban denies these allegations, asserting that Pakistan’s actions violate Afghan sovereignty.
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Look: New Dubai landmark launches over water, Sheikh Mohammed announces
Dubai is set to welcome a groundbreaking addition to its skyline with the launch of the Dubai Arts Museum, known as Duma. Announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, this floating museum will be situated on an island in the heart of Dubai Creek. Designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, Duma is inspired by elements of nature—water, sky, wind, and light—and pays homage to Dubai’s pearl diving heritage through its shell and pearl-inspired design. The museum will feature five floors dedicated to modern art, a library, training spaces, and a café with views of the creek. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that Duma will position Dubai as a global hub for creativity and modern art, reflecting the city’s cultural and artistic spirit. The project also highlights the collaboration between the public and private sectors, with notable contributions from Emirati businessman Abdullah Al Futtaim and his son Omar. Duma joins Dubai’s roster of iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and the Museum of the Future, further cementing the city’s reputation as a beacon of innovation and culture.
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Rubio says mediators of Gaza ceasefire shared information to uncover a recent threat
In a significant development, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed on Saturday that Israel, the United States, and other mediators of the Gaza ceasefire agreement are actively sharing intelligence to preempt potential threats. This collaborative effort reportedly enabled the identification of a possible imminent attack last weekend, which was subsequently averted. The State Department had earlier issued warnings based on credible reports suggesting that Hamas might violate the ceasefire by targeting Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Rubio emphasized the importance of proactive threat detection, stating, ‘The goal is to identify a threat before it happens.’
Rubio also highlighted the growing interest among multiple nations in joining an international stabilization force aimed at deploying to Gaza. However, he noted that these countries require further clarity on the mission’s objectives and rules of engagement. The U.S. is considering advocating for a U.N. resolution to support the force, thereby encouraging broader participation. Countries such as Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, and Azerbaijan have expressed interest in the initiative.
During his multistop tour in Asia, Rubio met with President Donald Trump in Qatar, following his visit to Israel. In Israel, he engaged with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and toured a U.S.-led coordination center overseeing the ceasefire. Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump adviser Jared Kushner had previously visited Israel to reinforce the fragile ceasefire agreement.
Rubio also addressed other pressing foreign policy issues, including the recent U.S. sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro over alleged involvement in the global drug trade. He clarified that the sanctions were not intended to target Colombia as a nation but were a response to Petro’s actions, which he described as hostile. Rubio reiterated the U.S.’s strong relationship with Colombia’s people and institutions, emphasizing that economic measures like tariffs were avoided to prevent harm to the country’s economy.
On the topic of Venezuela, Rubio dismissed speculation that recent U.S. military actions in Latin America were aimed at ousting President Nicolás Maduro. He framed these actions as part of a counterdrug operation, accusing Maduro’s government of facilitating narcotics trafficking. Maduro, however, denied the allegations, calling them a fabricated narrative.
Regarding U.S.-China relations, Rubio affirmed that Taiwan would not be used as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations. He stressed the importance of maintaining U.S. engagement with China while upholding commitments to Taiwan’s security.
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Sudan’s fertile region where food is rotting amid famine and war
In the midst of Sudan’s devastating civil war, the Jebel Marra mountains stand as a rare sanctuary where life continues almost undisturbed. Women clad in vibrant attire, accompanied by children, traverse the lush fields daily, cultivating crops like peanuts, oranges, apples, and strawberries. This Mediterranean-like climate and fertile soil have long made Jebel Marra a hub for organic produce, particularly its prized oranges. However, the ongoing conflict has severely disrupted the region’s ability to transport these goods to national markets, leaving farmers and vendors in dire straits.
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Israel kills Hezbollah commander in Southern Lebanon
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have intensified their operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, targeting key commanders in a series of strategic strikes. On October 25, 2025, the IDF announced the elimination of Zayn al-Abidin Hussein Fatouni, a prominent commander in Hezbollah’s Radwan Force anti-tank unit. According to the IDF, Fatouni was deeply involved in efforts to rebuild Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon, actions that reportedly violated existing agreements between Israel and Lebanon. This operation followed an earlier strike on October 24, which resulted in the death of Abbas Hassan Karky, the logistics commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front headquarters in the Nabatieh area. Karky was allegedly leading efforts to restore Hezbollah’s combat capabilities, including managing weapons transfers and storage, as well as reestablishing infrastructure previously dismantled during the war south of the Litani River. These developments underscore the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, raising concerns about the potential for further conflict in the region.
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‘Heroes of Kharkiv’: How 48 children were saved from kindergarten hit by Russian drone
In a harrowing display of courage amidst chaos, Ukrainian emergency services, led by Major-General Oleksandr Volobuev, successfully rescued 48 children from a kindergarten in Kharkiv after it was struck by a Russian drone. The attack, which targeted the Honey Academy in the Kholodnohirsky district, left the building heavily damaged and filled with smoke and debris. Volobuev, a seasoned officer from Ukraine’s Civil Protection Service, was captured in a viral image carrying a young girl wrapped in his coat, her small pink shoes peeking out—a poignant symbol of the resilience of Ukraine’s most vulnerable. The rescue operation was fraught with danger, as the building’s roof had collapsed, and the threat of another strike loomed. Fedir Uhnenko, a press officer who joined the rescue efforts, recounted the tense moments of reassuring a young boy while navigating through the rubble. Despite the peril, all children were safely evacuated to a nearby emergency reception point. Tragically, one adult was killed, and nine others were injured in the attack. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike, calling it an unjustifiable act of aggression. The incident underscores the escalating impact of Russia’s invasion on civilian life, with children increasingly bearing the brunt of the conflict. Both Volobuev and Uhnenko remain resolute in their determination to protect their nation and envision a peaceful future for the children they saved.