In South Africa, Operation Dudula, once a grassroots anti-migrant movement, has evolved into a political party, sparking nationwide debate over access to public services for foreigners. The group, whose name means ‘to remove by force’ in Zulu, has intensified its campaign by blocking non-South Africans from entering public health facilities in provinces like Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Despite arrests, authorities have struggled to curb their activities, leaving migrants and even some locals without essential healthcare.
作者： admin
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Buying more, wearing less – why India’s Diwali gold rush is different
As the Hindu festival of Diwali approaches, India’s gold market is witnessing a significant transformation. Despite soaring prices—gold has surged by 60% and silver by 70% this year—Indians are flocking to markets, driven by cultural traditions and investment opportunities. In Delhi’s bustling Lajpat Nagar neighborhood, jewelry shops are packed with customers, even on holidays, as the festive spirit fuels demand for gold and silver coins, bars, and jewelry. While high prices have slightly dampened jewelry purchases, they have also sparked a fear of missing out (FOMO) among buyers, leading to a shift toward investment-driven acquisitions. Retailers like Prakash Pahlajani of Kumar Jewels report increased footfall, with customers opting for smaller, lighter pieces to manage budgets. The World Gold Council (WGC) notes a clear trend: investment demand for gold, particularly in bars, coins, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), has risen sharply, now accounting for 35% of total demand, up from 19% in 2023. Meanwhile, jewelry’s share has declined to 64%. India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has also been a major player, increasing its gold reserves to 14% of foreign exchange holdings in 2025, aiming to diversify assets and reduce dollar dependency. Experts predict that despite record prices, demand will remain robust during the festive and wedding seasons, especially among affluent buyers. However, lower-income families are feeling the pinch, with some delaying purchases in hopes of price drops. India’s deep cultural affinity for gold, coupled with its role as a wealth-preserving asset, ensures its enduring appeal, even as prices take some shine off the festive season.
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‘It’s scary to think I could have died’: How Americans are coming back from fentanyl addiction
Kayla, a young woman from North Carolina, recalls her harrowing journey into fentanyl addiction, which began at the age of 18. ‘I felt amazing. The voices in my head just went silent. I got instantly addicted,’ she says. The blue pills she consumed, likely smuggled from Mexico, carried an unpredictable and deadly dose of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin. ‘It’s scary to think I could have overdosed and died at any moment,’ she reflects. In 2023, the U.S. witnessed over 110,000 drug-related deaths, with fentanyl driving the crisis. However, 2024 marked a turning point, as fatal overdoses dropped by 25%, saving nearly 30,000 lives. North Carolina, Kayla’s home state, led this decline with a 35% reduction in overdose fatalities, thanks to innovative harm reduction strategies. These strategies prioritize health and recovery over criminalization, offering programs like Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD), which redirects substance users toward treatment and support. Kayla, now a certified nurse assistant, credits LEAD and methadone treatment for her recovery. ‘This is the longest time I’ve been clean,’ she says. Across North Carolina, over 30,000 people are enrolled in similar programs, with clinics like the Morse Clinics providing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help patients stabilize their lives. Dr. Eric Morse, who runs nine MAT clinics, emphasizes harm reduction: ‘Even if patients still use street drugs occasionally, their survival rate increases significantly.’ However, not everyone supports this approach. Mark Pless, a Republican state representative, advocates for abstinence-based programs, arguing that medications like methadone merely replace one addiction with another. Despite such criticisms, naloxone, a life-saving overdose reversal drug, has been administered over 16,000 times in North Carolina, preventing countless deaths. Governor Josh Stein has also played a pivotal role, securing $1.5 billion from a $60 billion national opioid settlement to fund prevention, treatment, and harm reduction initiatives. Yet, challenges remain, particularly for marginalized communities and states like Nevada and Arizona, where overdose rates remain stubbornly high. Kayla’s story is one of hope and resilience, but the fight against the opioid epidemic is far from over.
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Pakistan, Afghanistan extend ceasefire until conclusion of Doha peace talks
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to extend their 48-hour ceasefire until the conclusion of ongoing peace talks in Doha, Qatar. This decision comes after weeks of intense clashes, marking the worst violence between the two nations in decades. A Pakistani delegation has already arrived in Doha, while an Afghan delegation is expected to join the discussions on Saturday, according to unnamed security officials and a Taliban source. The temporary truce, initiated on Wednesday, paused fierce ground fighting and airstrikes that resulted in numerous casualties and heightened tensions along their contested border. The conflict escalated after Pakistan accused Afghanistan of harboring militants responsible for attacks on Pakistani soil, including a recent suicide attack that killed seven soldiers in North Waziristan. While the Taliban denies these allegations, Pakistan has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue to resolve the crisis. International mediators, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have stepped in to facilitate peace efforts, with U.S. President Donald Trump also offering assistance. The extended ceasefire reflects a cautious optimism as both nations seek to de-escalate hostilities and address long-standing grievances.
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Rayan Ahmed extends hot streak with solid victory at Tommy Fleetwood Pathway Series
Dubai’s emerging golf sensation, Rayan Ahmed, has solidified his status as a rising star with a commanding victory at the 2025 Tommy Fleetwood International Pathway Series. Held at the prestigious Jumeirah Golf Estates, the event attracted a competitive field of 72 players from nine countries, representing 13 UAE clubs. Ahmed, an 18-year-old UAE National Team member, showcased his exceptional talent with consistent rounds of 69, 67, and 66, finishing with a 54-hole total of 211 and securing a four-shot victory over Adam Campbell of the Montgomerie Golf Club. This triumph marks Ahmed’s second consecutive win, following his recent success at the Faldo Golf Tour. The young golfer’s performance included 14 birdies, an eagle, and only two bogeys over three days on the challenging Earth Course. In the Girls’ Division, Imogen Hall of The Els Club, Dubai, emerged victorious after a thrilling playoff against Alisa Molokanova of the Russian Golf Association. The tournament, supported by DP World and the American Junior Golf Association, is the first of a three-part UAE series designed to provide young golfers with opportunities to earn World Amateur Golf Ranking points. Ahmed expressed his delight with the win, noting it as his lowest 54-hole score and a significant confidence boost ahead of the upcoming Asian-Pacific Amateur Championship. Tommy Fleetwood, the series’ namesake and a six-time DP World Tour winner, emphasized the event’s mission to nurture young talent and open doors for aspiring golfers on the global stage. The next two Pathway Series events are scheduled for November 2025 in Ras Al Khaimah and February 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
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Saudi Arabia: No limit on online orders of bottled Zamzam for residents
Saudi Arabia has unveiled a groundbreaking service allowing residents and citizens to order unlimited quantities of Zamzam water through the Nusuk app. This initiative, launched by Dr. Tawfig Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, aims to provide greater convenience for those living within the Kingdom. The service enables users to request 330-millilitre bottles of the sacred water, which holds immense religious significance for Muslims worldwide, and have them delivered to any location in Saudi Arabia. Previously, Zamzam water was often sold in larger containers, but the introduction of smaller bottles makes it more portable and accessible. The Nusuk app, which has evolved into a comprehensive platform for Hajj and Umrah services, now includes this feature alongside its existing offerings such as accommodation bookings and Umrah visa issuance. This development reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the experience of its residents and pilgrims.
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‘Only sport we watch’: Grand Sumo comes to London as search for fans beyond Japan pays off
The Royal Albert Hall in London has been transformed into a sumo wrestling arena, hosting the Grand Sumo Tournament, a five-day event featuring 40 of the world’s best sumo wrestlers. The venue, typically known for its classical concerts, now boasts a six-tonne Japanese temple roof suspended above the clay ring, where wrestlers perform ancient rituals to purify the space and invoke the gods. Adding a modern twist, a giant revolving LED screen displays real-time stats and replays, blending tradition with contemporary technology.
Sumo wrestling, a sport with origins dating back to 23 BC, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The London tournament, only the second of its kind in the city since 1991, has drawn fans from across the globe. For many, this is their first opportunity to witness the speed, power, and intricate rituals of sumo up close. The event has also highlighted the sport’s growing international appeal, with fans like Sian Spencer and Julia and Cezar discovering sumo through YouTube and trips to Japan, respectively.
Despite its ancient roots, sumo faces modern challenges, including scandals related to bullying and match-fixing, as well as declining interest among young Japanese. However, the London tournament has reignited enthusiasm, with fans praising the unique blend of tradition and spectacle. The event also underscores the sport’s global reach, with wrestlers from Mongolia and Ukraine making significant impacts.
The tournament’s success in London demonstrates sumo’s ability to transcend cultural boundaries, offering a rare glimpse into a centuries-old tradition while embracing the modern world. For fans, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings them closer to the sport they love.
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With ceasefire secured, what’s next for Hamas?
In the wake of a fragile ceasefire with Israel, Hamas has swiftly resumed its patrols across Gaza, signaling its enduring presence and authority in the war-torn enclave. This move serves as both a warning to Israeli-linked gangs and a declaration of its governance amidst ongoing international efforts to marginalize the group. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan envisioning a Gaza without Hamas’s military or political influence, analysts argue that the group’s deep-rooted presence and the lack of viable alternatives make its sidelining highly improbable. Azzam Tamimi, a scholar and author on Hamas, emphasized that the group was not defeated, pointing to Israel’s eventual agreement to a ceasefire as evidence of Hamas’s resilience. The deal, which ended a two-year conflict, included humanitarian relief, a phased Israeli withdrawal, and a prisoner exchange. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s failure to crush Hamas’s resistance underscores the group’s tenacity. In the immediate aftermath of the truce, Hamas has launched a crackdown on criminal gangs and collaborators, reasserting its security control. This includes public executions of alleged collaborators, a move that has drawn both criticism and support. Muhammad Shehada, a Palestinian analyst, noted that Hamas’s actions aim to restore order and disarm rival factions, while also consolidating its influence. Despite Trump’s threats of disarmament, Hamas remains steadfast in its refusal to relinquish weapons until a Palestinian state is established. The group’s leadership has signaled its readiness to continue resisting Israeli occupation, even as discontent grows among Gaza’s population. Polls indicate that while Hamas has lost some support, it remains more popular than its rival Fatah, with many Palestinians opposing disarmament. Shehada highlighted the paradoxical dynamics of Hamas’s popularity, noting that some of its harshest critics have become vocal supporters due to the perceived genocide in Gaza. As Hamas navigates its post-ceasefire strategy, its role in Palestinian governance remains a contentious issue, with the group seeking to maintain influence while avoiding international delegitimization.
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‘Have a great life!’ Trump orders prison release of disgraced ex-congressman George Santos
In a controversial move, former US President Donald Trump has commuted the prison sentence of George Santos, a disgraced ex-Republican congressman, ordering his immediate release. Santos was serving a seven-year sentence for fraud and identity theft, crimes that included stealing the identities of 11 individuals, including family members. Trump announced the decision on social media, claiming Santos had been ‘horribly mistreated’ and deserved a second chance. ‘Therefore, I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY. Good luck George, have a great life!’ Trump wrote. Santos, who was expelled from Congress in 2023 following a damning ethics report, had been incarcerated at a minimum-security facility in New Jersey. His downfall began in 2022 when investigations revealed he had fabricated his resume, lied about his professional background, and misused campaign funds for personal expenses, including Botox treatments and OnlyFans subscriptions. In his defense, Santos had previously apologized in court, stating, ‘I cannot rewrite the past, but I can control the road ahead.’ Trump justified his decision by criticizing Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, whom he accused of fabricating his military service, claiming Santos’s actions were less severe. Santos’s lawyer, Andrew Mancilla, praised Trump’s decision, calling the original sentence ‘far too long.’ This marks the latest in a series of pardons issued by Trump, including former congressman Michael Grimm and ex-Connecticut Governor John Rowland. Santos had recently published an open letter to Trump, pleading for a pardon and expressing his desire to ‘rebuild’ his life.
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China mourns Murayama whose statement lives on
China has expressed profound sorrow over the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, a pivotal figure in Japan’s post-war reconciliation efforts. Murayama, who passed away at the age of 101 in his hometown of Oita, was the first Japanese leader to issue an official apology for Japan’s wartime atrocities, earning global recognition and fostering trust between Japan and its neighbors. The Chinese Foreign Ministry extended heartfelt condolences to his family, praising Murayama as a principled statesman and a steadfast friend of China. His 1995 ‘Murayama Statement,’ which acknowledged Japan’s colonial rule and aggression in Asia, remains a cornerstone of Japan’s commitment to historical accountability. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian emphasized the enduring significance of the statement, urging Japan to honor its pledge with sincerity. Lin also called for strengthened bilateral ties between China and Japan, rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for peace. Takakage Fujita, secretary-general of the Association for Inheriting and Propagating the Murayama Statement, highlighted the importance of preserving Murayama’s legacy, particularly in educating younger generations about Japan’s wartime history. Mizuho Fukushima, leader of the Social Democratic Party, mourned Murayama as her ‘political father,’ underscoring the profound impact of his leadership. As Japan’s political landscape shifts toward conservatism, experts like Zhou Yongsheng of China Foreign Affairs University stress the need for Japanese leaders to uphold Murayama’s principles of peace and historical reflection. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also urged Japan to address contentious issues such as visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors war criminals, and to reject militarism unequivocally.