The United States has appointed Steve Fagin, a seasoned diplomat, as the civilian lead of the Civil-Military Coordination Centre, a body established to monitor the Gaza ceasefire. The centre, located in southern Israel, was set up on October 17 to oversee compliance with the ceasefire and manage logistical operations, including aid delivery to Gaza. Fagin will collaborate with US Army Lieutenant General Patrick Frank, the military head of the centre, which operates from a rented warehouse and involves 200 US troops alongside personnel from Israel, European nations, the United Nations, and various aid organizations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who visited the site on Friday, described the initiative as ‘historic’ and expressed cautious optimism about its progress. Fagin, who has extensive experience in the Middle East, currently serves as the US ambassador to Yemen and has previously held concurrent diplomatic roles, including a temporary assignment as the top US diplomat in Baghdad.
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Trump pushes for Sudan truce in Washington and gets Sisi to lean on Burhan
In a significant diplomatic development, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi hosted Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in Cairo last week. While the meeting appeared to be a routine diplomatic exchange, it underscored a renewed and serious US-backed effort to address the ongoing Sudanese conflict. This initiative has already yielded preliminary results, with representatives from both Burhan’s government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) engaging in indirect talks in Washington. The discussions, facilitated by the US, aim to broker a ceasefire and pave the way for a lasting resolution to the civil war that has devastated Sudan since April 2023. The conflict, which erupted over tensions regarding the integration of the RSF into the regular military, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 13 million people. US President Donald Trump has personally tasked President Sisi with mediating the crisis, emphasizing the humanitarian catastrophe and the broader regional instability it threatens. The talks, which include key regional players such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, are part of a broader strategy to restore stability to the Horn of Africa. However, challenges remain, including deep-seated mistrust between the warring factions and competing regional interests that could complicate the peace process. Despite these hurdles, there is cautious optimism that a breakthrough may be imminent, with the US and its allies leveraging their influence to push for a resolution.
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Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit has died at age 93
Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, a revered figure known for her dedication to rural development, environmental conservation, and the preservation of traditional crafts, passed away on Friday at the age of 93. The Royal Household Bureau announced her death in a Bangkok hospital, where she had been receiving treatment for a blood infection since October 17. Despite the efforts of her medical team, her condition did not improve. Queen Sirikit had largely retreated from public life in recent years due to declining health, following the death of her husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in October 2016. Born into an aristocratic family on August 12, 1932, Queen Sirikit’s life was marked by her commitment to the Thai people. Her portrait adorned homes and public spaces across the country, and her birthday was celebrated as Mother’s Day. She played a pivotal role in initiatives ranging from aiding Cambodian refugees to protecting Thailand’s forests. However, her influence was not without controversy. During Thailand’s political upheavals, her behind-the-scenes role in the monarchy’s affairs drew scrutiny. Despite this, her enduring popularity in rural areas remained steadfast. Queen Sirikit’s legacy includes the establishment of the SUPPORT Foundation in 1976, which trained thousands in traditional crafts, and numerous environmental projects aimed at wildlife conservation and forest preservation. She believed deeply in the monarchy’s role in Thai society, once stating, ‘The mere word king has something magic in it.’ Her passing marks the end of an era for Thailand, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication.
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Thailand’s former queen Sirikit dies aged 93
Thailand is in mourning following the passing of Queen Sirikit, the revered mother of King Vajiralongkorn, at the age of 93. The Thai Royal Household Bureau announced that she died peacefully on Friday night at 21:21 local time (14:21 GMT) in a Bangkok hospital. Queen Sirikit had been battling multiple health issues since 2019, including a recent blood infection. Her death marks the end of an era for the Thai monarchy, as she was the devoted wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch, who passed away in 2016. Queen Sirikit’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her country and her role as a maternal figure for the Thai people. Born into a diplomatic family, she met her future husband while studying music in Paris, where her father served as Thailand’s ambassador to France. The couple married on April 28, 1950, just days before King Bhumibol’s coronation. Throughout the 1960s, Queen Sirikit and King Bhumibol traveled extensively, meeting global leaders such as US President Dwight Eisenhower, Queen Elizabeth II, and even Elvis Presley. Known for her elegance, she frequently appeared on international best-dressed lists. In a rare 1980 BBC documentary, Queen Sirikit reflected on her role, stating, ‘Kings and queens of Thailand have always been in close contact with the people, and they usually regard the king as the father of the nation. That is why we do not have much private life, because we are considered father and mother of the nation.’ Her birthday was celebrated as Mother’s Day in Thailand, underscoring her profound impact on the nation. Queen Sirikit’s legacy as a compassionate and unifying figure will continue to resonate deeply with the Thai people.
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Why Bill Gates did a cameo in an iconic Indian TV drama
In an unexpected twist, Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates made a cameo appearance on the iconic Indian soap opera *Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi* (Because the Mother-in-Law Was Also Once Daughter-in-Law). The episode, which aired on Thursday night, featured Gates discussing maternal and child health with actress and former federal minister Smriti Irani, who plays the lead character Tulsi. The Gates Foundation has long been involved in initiatives to reduce infant and maternal mortality in India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where healthcare challenges persist. Gates’ appearance on the show aimed to amplify awareness about these critical issues through a platform that resonates deeply with Indian audiences. The four-minute segment saw Gates greeting Tulsi in Hindi, discussing the importance of maternal health, and emphasizing the need for proper nutrition and medical care during pregnancy. The show’s producers, JioStar Entertainment, highlighted their commitment to using storytelling to address socially relevant topics, stating that the integration of such themes can inspire real-world change. Gates is set to appear in three episodes of the series, which recently returned for its second season after a 25-year hiatus. While the show has faced stiff competition from modern OTT platforms, Gates’ cameo has reignited public interest, with a promotional clip garnering over six million views on Instagram in less than a day. The unexpected crossover has sparked a mix of surprise and amusement among viewers, with many praising the innovative approach to raising awareness about maternal and child health.
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Britney Spears said she was used. Kevin Federline says she needs help
The tumultuous relationship between Britney Spears and Kevin Federline has resurfaced in the public eye as both release memoirs offering starkly contrasting accounts of their shared history. Spears, in her 2023 memoir *The Woman in Me*, recounts the emotional and financial control she endured during her 13-year conservatorship, while Federline’s newly released *You Thought You Knew* provides his perspective on their chaotic marriage and her mental health struggles.
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Attacks on people like me happen every time my country has an election
For 42-year-old Mariam Staford, election season in Tanzania is not a time of hope but of terror. While many Tanzanians engage in the festive rallies and campaign songs, Mariam and others with albinism face a grim reality: heightened risks of violence driven by deeply rooted superstitions. Albinism, a rare genetic condition affecting approximately 30,000 Tanzanians, reduces melanin production, resulting in lighter skin, hair, and eye color. Tragically, this condition has made them targets of brutal attacks fueled by the false belief that their body parts bring wealth, luck, or political success. Mariam’s story is a harrowing testament to this violence. In 2008, during a local election period, armed men attacked her in her home, severing both her arms. She survived, but her unborn child did not. The trauma of that night still haunts her. ‘Even now, I sometimes dream of that night,’ she says. ‘When I wake up, I touch my arms and remember they are not there.’ Mariam’s experience is not isolated. Since 2008, there have been 211 documented attacks on people with albinism in Tanzania, including 79 killings and 100 mutilations. These attacks often spike during election seasons, as political aspirants seek supernatural advantages. Despite government efforts to curb the violence, including awareness campaigns and stricter laws, the problem persists. In June this year, another attack was reported in Simuyu, though the victim escaped unharmed. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has condemned these ‘harmful traditional beliefs,’ but rural areas remain vulnerable. Activists and survivors like Mariam argue that more needs to be done to protect the albinism community. While progress has been made in some areas, the murder of two-year-old Asimwe Novath last year serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing threat. As Tanzania prepares for its upcoming elections, Mariam and others with albinism live in fear, choosing to stay home rather than participate in the democratic process.
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‘Rest in power’: Filipino activists mourn death of 19-year-old pro-Palestine influencer
The Filipino activist community is mourning the untimely death of Emman Atienza, a 19-year-old social media influencer and advocate for mental health and Palestinian liberation. Atienza, who was found dead at her home in Los Angeles, USA, was a member of the League of Filipino Students (LFS) and a convenor of the group Filipino Youth 4 Palestine (F4YP). Her family has not disclosed the cause of her death but expressed their profound grief in a statement.
Atienza was known for her passionate advocacy and willingness to use her influence for social causes. LFS honored her in a Facebook post, sharing a black-and-white photo of her holding a placard during a protest at the US Embassy in Manila in October 2024. The post described her as a courageous individual who braved torrential rain and police harassment to stand with activists calling for an end to genocide and Palestinian liberation.
Born into a prominent political family, Atienza was the daughter of popular Filipino TV host Kim Atienza and granddaughter of former Manila mayor Lito Atienza. Her older sister, Eliana, is also a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, having been suspended from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2024 for participating in a pro-Palestine protest.
The Atienza family remembered Emman as a beacon of joy, laughter, and love, whose authenticity and openness about her mental health struggles inspired many. They urged the public to honor her memory by embodying the qualities she lived by: compassion, courage, and kindness.
Atienza’s death has left a void in the activist community, but her legacy of advocacy and empathy continues to inspire those who knew her and followed her work.
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UAE weather tomorrow: Foggy conditions expected; humidity to increase at night
Residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) should prepare for a mix of weather conditions on Saturday, October 25, as the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts fair to partly cloudy skies alongside a drop in temperatures. While Dubai and Abu Dhabi may experience highs of up to 35°C, Al Ain is expected to see temperatures ranging between 22°C and 36°C. As night falls, humidity levels are predicted to rise, particularly in coastal and internal regions, with the possibility of fog or mist formation early Sunday morning. Winds will remain light to moderate, blowing from the Northeast to Northwest at speeds of 10 to 20 km/h, occasionally reaching 30 km/h. Meanwhile, the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea are anticipated to remain calm. The NCM advises residents to stay updated on weather developments and take necessary precautions during foggy conditions.
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UAE: Temporary winter tent camp rental period, season date revealed
As the winter season approaches, Umm Al Quwain is preparing to welcome residents and visitors with its newly established temporary winter camps. These camps, designed to offer a unique outdoor experience, are set to open on November 3, 2025, and will be available for rent until the end of the season. The initiative aims to encourage people to embrace nature and enjoy the cooler months in a serene environment. The Umm Al Quwain Municipality has outlined specific guidelines for those interested in renting these camps. Rentals must be for personal use only, with a duration ranging from three to six months. Applications are restricted to citizens of Umm Al Quwain, and the camps cannot be used for commercial purposes. Campers must adhere to strict safety and cleanliness standards, including compliance with Civil Defense regulations. Additionally, the use of spotlights, loudspeakers, and drones is prohibited to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Violations of these rules may result in permit revocation and penalties. The camps are located in the Al Aqran and Al Thania areas, providing ample space for outdoor activities. Fees and insurance deposits must be paid within three days of application approval to secure a permit. This initiative reflects Umm Al Quwain’s commitment to promoting outdoor recreation while ensuring safety and environmental responsibility.