In a society where traditional gender roles often dominate, a group of Emirati women is challenging stereotypes and redefining what it means to be strong, determined, and free. These women, part of the UAE Rugby Federation’s all-Emirati, all-women team, Al Maha, are not just athletes—they are mothers, students, and dreamers who have found empowerment through the sport of rugby. Despite societal skepticism and family objections, they have embraced rugby as a source of strength, confidence, and purpose. The sport, often perceived as rough and unsuitable for women, has become a platform for these athletes to break barriers and inspire future generations. Rugby was introduced in UAE public schools as part of a talent discovery initiative, with the best players selected to join teams like Al Maha for girls and Al Shaheen for boys. These teams compete against professional clubs, gaining valuable experience and exposure. For many of these women, rugby is more than just a game—it’s a way of life. Zainab Alsuwaidi, a 23-year-old medical student, mother, and national rugby player, began her journey at 17. Initially, her family opposed her participation, viewing rugby as too violent. However, after being selected to represent the UAE in Tunisia, she gained their support. Alsuwaidi’s story is one of resilience, balancing motherhood, studies, and rugby with unwavering determination. Fatima Ali Al Blooshi, 25, was one of the first Emirati women to play rugby. Despite initial family rejection and financial challenges, she persisted, driven by her love for the sport. Over eight years, she has represented the UAE in international tournaments, proving that rugby can be played safely and successfully. Aisha Waleed Al Ali, just 17, transitioned from football to rugby, quickly rising to the national team. Her journey highlights the importance of teamwork, quick thinking, and determination. Supported by the Player Pathway Program (PPP), these women are part of a growing movement to develop Emirati talent for national and Olympic competitions. Their stories are a testament to the power of sport to transform lives and challenge societal norms.
作者： admin
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Israeli forces kill three Palestinians in Jenin raid involving air strike
In a pre-dawn operation on Tuesday, Israeli forces conducted a raid on the village of Kafr Qud, located west of Jenin in the occupied West Bank, resulting in the deaths of three Palestinians. The operation involved air strikes and intense exchanges of fire, according to local media reports. The Palestinian General Authority for Civil Affairs identified the deceased as Abdullah Mohammed Omar Jalamneh, 27, Qais Ibrahim Mohammed al-Baytawi, 21, and Ahmad Azmi Aref Nashrati, 29. Israeli media stated that the army had cornered the three men inside a cave before snipers shot them, killing two and wounding the third. Subsequent air strikes killed the remaining individual, and Israeli forces later seized at least two of the bodies. The Israeli army claimed the men were planning attacks in the area but provided no further evidence. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that forces would remain in northern West Bank refugee camps, including Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams, which have been targeted since January, causing widespread destruction. Hamas and the Islamic Jihad condemned the raid, labeling it a ‘dangerous escalation.’ Since October 2023, Israeli forces have increasingly used air strikes in the West Bank, with over 100 such attacks reported in the past two years. UN figures reveal that more than 1,000 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed by Israeli fire during this period, including 213 children, 20 women, and seven individuals with disabilities. This death toll represents 43 percent of all Palestinians killed in the occupied West Bank over the past two decades.
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Xi, Finnish president exchange congratulations on 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties
On October 28, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Finnish President Alexander Stubb exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between their nations. This milestone highlights the enduring partnership and mutual respect between China and Finland, which has flourished since the establishment of formal ties in 1950. The leaders emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in areas such as trade, technology, and environmental sustainability. Both presidents expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations, underscoring their commitment to fostering peace and prosperity. This exchange reflects the broader significance of China-Finland relations as a model of international cooperation and diplomacy.
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Michael D Higgins returns to Áras after hospital stay
Irish President Michael D. Higgins has returned to Áras an Uachtaráin, his official residence, following a brief hospitalization to address a localized infection. On Sunday, President Higgins was admitted to St James’s Hospital in Dublin as part of a prearranged medical evaluation. A spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that the president underwent a successful course of antibiotics to treat the condition. In a statement, President Higgins expressed his gratitude to the medical team for their care and thanked the public for their well-wishes during his hospital stay. President Higgins will continue his duties until November 11, when Catherine Connolly, his successor, is inaugurated at Dublin Castle. Connolly, an independent member of the Irish parliament, secured a historic 63% of first-preference votes in the recent presidential election, marking a record in Irish electoral history. However, the unprecedented number of spoiled votes, totaling 213,738, has sparked discussions among politicians about the need for electoral reform. Connolly was officially declared the 10th President of the Republic of Ireland on Saturday evening after defeating Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys.
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Pregnant British teen may get 2-years in Georgia prison for drug smuggling after plea deal
A British teenager, Bella May Culley, who was arrested in Georgia earlier this year on drug smuggling charges, may receive a two-year prison sentence following a plea deal that involved her family paying over $180,000. Culley, 19 and pregnant, was apprehended at Tbilisi Airport in May for allegedly attempting to smuggle 12 kilograms of marijuana and 2 kilograms of hashish into the country. Initially facing up to 15 years or life imprisonment, her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakhaia, confirmed that a plea agreement is nearing finalization. Salakhaia stated, ‘Reaching an agreement with the prosecutor’s office is in its final stage. All conditions are known to my client and her family, with only technical issues remaining.’ The final verdict is expected to be announced on Monday, with the possibility of a presidential pardon if convicted. Culley’s mother, Lyanne Kennedy, disclosed that the family has paid 500,000 lari (approximately $184,000) as part of the plea bargain. In Georgia, financial plea agreements are legally permissible to reduce or eliminate prison sentences in certain cases, particularly in drug-related offenses. Culley, from Teesside in northeast England, was reported missing in Thailand before her arrest on May 10. She initially pleaded not guilty, claiming she was tortured in Thailand and coerced into carrying the drugs. Salakhaia noted visible signs of torture upon her arrival in Georgia, though it remains unclear if her plea changed as part of the deal.
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US kills 14 in strikes on four alleged drug boats in Pacific
The US Department of Defense has confirmed the execution of targeted strikes on four suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed that one survivor was rescued by Mexican search-and-rescue teams. This operation, authorized by President Donald Trump, represents a significant escalation in the US campaign against drug traffickers, which has now claimed at least 57 lives. The strikes have predominantly occurred off the coasts of South America, particularly in the Caribbean, but have recently expanded to the Pacific, a major drug-trafficking corridor. The US claims the vessels were identified through intelligence and were traversing known narco-trafficking routes. However, the legality of these strikes has been questioned by international law experts and regional governments, including Colombia and Venezuela. Colombian Deputy Foreign Minister Mauricio Jaramillo criticized the operations as “disproportionate and outside international law,” emphasizing the lack of due process for those targeted. The strikes have exacerbated tensions between the US and both Colombia and Venezuela, with the US imposing sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro for allegedly failing to curb drug trafficking. Additionally, the US has deployed significant military assets, including the USS Gerald R Ford, to the Caribbean, raising concerns in Venezuela that the buildup aims to destabilize President Nicolas Maduro’s government. Trump has accused Maduro of leading a drug-trafficking organization, a claim Maduro denies. The situation remains volatile as the US considers expanding its campaign to include land-based targets.
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Texas attorney general sues Tylenol makers over autism claims
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers of Tylenol, accusing them of concealing potential risks the drug poses to children’s brain development. The legal action targets Johnson & Johnson, the former distributor of the drug, and Kenvue, its current producer. Paxton, a Republican and ally of former President Donald Trump, claims the companies prioritized profits over public safety, stating they ‘betrayed America by profiting off of pain and pushing pills regardless of the risks.’ The lawsuit follows Trump’s recent promotion of an unproven link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism in children. Kenvue has refuted these allegations, asserting there is no credible evidence connecting acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, to autism. The company expressed concern over the spread of misinformation, which could impact the health of women and children. Medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, support the safety of acetaminophen, emphasizing its importance as one of the few pain relief options for pregnant women. The lawsuit seeks to compel the companies to cease marketing Tylenol as safe for pregnant women. This case mirrors a 2022 lawsuit by parents of children with autism and ADHD, which was dismissed due to inconclusive evidence. The controversy has sparked debate among public health officials, with the FDA clarifying that no causal relationship between Tylenol and autism has been established.
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Indian refiners pause new Russian oil orders, await clarity amid higher US sanctions
Indian refiners have temporarily suspended new orders for Russian crude oil as they await further clarity on the implications of heightened US sanctions targeting Russia’s oil sector. Sources revealed on Tuesday that major players, including state-run Indian Oil and private conglomerate Reliance Industries, are refraining from placing fresh orders while assessing the situation. Some refiners are reportedly turning to spot markets to meet their immediate crude oil needs. The US recently imposed sanctions on Russia’s top oil producers, Lukoil and Rosneft, prompting Indian refiners to reconsider their import strategies. Reliance Industries, India’s largest buyer of Russian oil, has committed to complying with the sanctions while maintaining ties with existing suppliers. However, the company plans to halt imports from Rosneft, a sanctioned entity. Industry insiders noted that refiners are cautious about engaging with traders linked to sanctioned entities, as banks may refuse to process payments. India, which imported 1.9 million barrels per day of Russian oil in the first nine months of 2025, accounting for 40% of Russia’s total exports, has seen a decline in imports due to narrower discounts and tighter supplies. Refiners are increasingly sourcing crude from the Middle East and the US to mitigate risks. The pause in Russian oil orders could potentially facilitate a trade deal between India and the US, as compliance with sanctions aligns with broader diplomatic objectives.
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Bella Culley’s sentence reduced to two years
Bella Culley, a 19-year-old British woman from Billingham, Teesside, has secured a reduced sentence of two years through a plea bargain after being charged with drug smuggling in Georgia. Culley, who is 35 weeks pregnant, had faced the possibility of up to 20 years or life imprisonment if convicted. Her family paid £137,000 (500,000 Georgian Lari) as part of the agreement, though they were unable to secure her immediate release. Culley is now likely to give birth while incarcerated at Prison Number 5 in Tbilisi. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Monday. The case stems from her arrest at Tbilisi International Airport in May, where authorities discovered 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish in her luggage. Culley has previously claimed she was coerced into transporting the drugs under torture. Plea bargains are a common resolution for drug-related crimes in Georgia, accounting for over 90% of such cases. Culley’s mother, Lyanne Kennedy, expressed optimism outside the court, stating her daughter appeared strong despite her advanced pregnancy. Her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, confirmed that negotiations are nearing completion, with a technical issue delaying the finalization of the plea deal. Salakaia also indicated plans to appeal for a presidential pardon once the agreement is finalized. Culley had initially gone missing in Thailand before her arrest in Georgia. She maintains her innocence, asserting she was forced into the situation and is a university student with no history of drug use.
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Observers worldwide applaud designation of Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration
In a significant move, China’s national legislature has officially designated October 25 as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration. This decision, announced on Friday, has garnered widespread acclaim from international observers, who view it as a reaffirmation of Taiwan’s status as an inalienable part of China. The establishment of this day underscores the historical significance of Taiwan’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, achieved through the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Prominent figures from around the globe have lauded the decision, emphasizing its alignment with the one-China principle and its role in honoring historical truths. Professor Emeritus Atsushi Koketsu of Japan’s Yamaguchi University highlighted the importance of drawing strength from history to propel progress in the new era. Ambassador Bilal Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, commended the decision as a demonstration of China’s unity and resolve in safeguarding national sovereignty. South African MP Andisiwe Khumbaca stressed that national liberation is a hard-won achievement, while Kyrgyzstan’s Sheradil Baktygulov noted the widespread support for the commemoration day across the Taiwan Strait. The move also serves as a reminder to external forces that the Taiwan issue is purely China’s internal affair, as emphasized by Serik Korzhumbayev of Kazakhstan. Faruk Boric of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Tahir Mumtaz Awan of Pakistan both highlighted the day’s role in upholding the post-World War II international order and historical justice. Egyptian professor Nadia Helmy and South African academic Lloyd Kuveya reiterated the historical and legal foundations of Taiwan’s status as part of China. Wang Jiaqing of France and Lian Jiehao of Indonesia emphasized the importance of national unity and the shared aspirations of Chinese people worldwide for peaceful reunification.