Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England in Perth due to a lingering lower-back injury, Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday. Cummins, who has been sidelined since July, will be replaced as captain by Steve Smith for the series opener starting November 21. Despite the setback, coach Andrew McDonald remains optimistic about Cummins’ potential return for the second Test in Brisbane on December 4. McDonald revealed that Cummins has resumed running and is expected to start bowling this week, marking a significant step in his recovery. ‘It takes four-plus weeks to get him up and running, and we’ve run out of time for the first Test, but we’re hopeful for the second,’ McDonald stated. Cummins, a key figure in Australia’s Ashes campaigns since 2017, has been instrumental in the team’s success. His absence in Perth will likely see Scott Boland step into the bowling attack alongside Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Boland, known for his effectiveness on Australian pitches, has an impressive Test record with 62 wickets at an average of 16.53. McDonald expressed confidence in Boland’s ability to fill the void, while also highlighting the potential boost of Cummins’ eventual return. Smith, who previously lost the captaincy in 2018 due to the ball-tampering scandal, has led the team six times in Cummins’ absence. McDonald praised Smith’s leadership and the strong partnership between the two players. Additionally, the selectors are considering a Test recall for Mitch Marsh, despite his recent focus on white-ball cricket. ‘We haven’t given up on Mitch Marsh’s Test career,’ McDonald added, emphasizing Marsh’s recent batting form.
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King Charles III dedicates Britain’s first national memorial to LGBTQ+ troops
In a historic moment of recognition and reconciliation, King Charles III unveiled Britain’s first national memorial dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) military personnel on Monday. The ceremony, held at the National Memorial Arboretum in central England, marked a significant step in acknowledging the struggles and sacrifices of LGBTQ+ troops who faced discrimination and dismissal from the armed forces for decades. The memorial, a crumpled bronze letter inscribed with poignant words from affected personnel, stands as a testament to their resilience and service. The event was attended by numerous serving troops, veterans, and dignitaries, underscoring the importance of this milestone. Between 1967 and 2000, LGBTQ+ individuals in the British military were labeled unfit to serve, stripped of their ranks, medals, and pension rights, and subjected to lifelong stigma. The ban was lifted in 2000 following a landmark ruling by the European Court of Human Rights. In 2023, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a formal apology for what he termed “an appalling failure of the British state,” and a compensation program was established, offering up to £70,000 ($93,000) to affected veterans. LGBTQ+ military charity Fighting with Pride hailed the memorial as a “powerful step forward” in honoring the contributions of these troops. Veterans like Claire Ashton, who was discharged from the Royal Artillery in 1972, shared emotional reflections on the event, describing it as a moment of long-awaited pride and healing. Brigadier Clare Phillips, a 30-year veteran of the British Army, emphasized the memorial’s significance in recognizing the courage of those who paved the way for today’s LGBTQ+ service members to serve openly and with dignity.
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Calm Norris plans to stay relaxed after taking F1 title-race lead
Lando Norris has surged to the top of the Formula One drivers’ championship standings after a commanding victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The McLaren driver secured a 30-second lead over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who narrowly held off Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in a thrilling finish. Norris’s triumph marks his 10th career win and his first in Mexico, propelling him to 357 points, one ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished fifth. With four races remaining, Norris has seized the momentum, also extending his lead over Verstappen, who has been in formidable form with six consecutive podium finishes. Norris attributed his success to his calm and focused approach, stating, ‘I’m just keeping my head down and focussing on myself. It’s working for me at the minute.’ The victory came in a carnival-like atmosphere at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, where Norris maintained composure and executed a flawless race. Meanwhile, Piastri acknowledged the need to adapt his driving style, admitting, ‘I’ve had to drive very differently in the last couple of weeks. It’s about adding tools to the toolbox rather than reinventing myself.’ As the championship battle intensifies, Norris’s relaxed mindset and consistent performance have positioned him as a strong contender for the title.
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UAE: Fujairah F3 power plant begins full commercial operations, to power 380,000 homes
The Fujairah F3 Independent Power Producer (IPP) project has officially commenced full commercial operations as of Monday, October 27, 2025. Situated in the Qidfa area of Fujairah, this 2.4-gigawatt (GW) facility stands as one of the largest and most efficient gas-fired power plants in the United Arab Emirates. The plant is designed to power approximately 380,000 homes, providing reliable electricity while supporting the UAE’s strategic energy transition towards renewable and clean energy sources.
The project is a collaborative effort involving Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), Marubeni Corporation, Mubadala Investment Company, and Hokuriku Electric Power Company. It features state-of-the-art JAC-class gas turbine technology from Mitsubishi Power, integrated into an advanced Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) configuration. This technology ensures high thermal efficiency, rapid response capabilities, and a low emissions profile, making Fujairah F3 a cornerstone of the UAE’s cleaner and more sustainable energy production.
Developed under the IPP model, the ownership structure of the project includes TAQA (40%), Marubeni Corporation (20.4%), Mubadala (20%), and Hokuriku Electric Power (19.6%). EWEC serves as the sole procurer of electricity from the project under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Andreas Collor, Chief Operations Officer of TAQA’s Generation business, emphasized the plant’s role in meeting growing power demand and its flexibility in integrating renewables into the grid. Mohamed Almarzooqi, Chief Asset Development and Management Officer of EWEC, highlighted the plant’s transitional capacity in supporting utility-scale renewable energy integration while ensuring grid reliability during peak demand periods.
Dr. Alyazia Ali Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of Mubadala’s UAE Investments platform, noted the project’s contribution to national energy security and its alignment with Mubadala’s Net Zero goals. Naoki Ito of Marubeni Corporation and Masayoshi Hayashi of Hokuriku Electric Power Company both underscored the importance of international partnerships and innovative approaches in addressing the region’s evolving energy needs.
Les Graham, Executive Managing Director of Fujairah Power Company F3 LLC, emphasized the plant’s efficiency and flexibility in enabling the growth of renewable energy in the UAE, aligning with the vision of a sustainable grid.
Fujairah F3 is a critical component of EWEC’s long-term strategy to increase the share of renewable and clean energy in the electricity generation mix. Its flexible operations and high-efficiency generation capacity complement the integration of intermittent renewable energy, supporting a modern, decarbonized energy system. This project exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to deploying cutting-edge technologies that reduce emissions, boost efficiency, and support sustainable development.
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India evacuates nearly 50,000 as cyclone Montha gains strength
India has initiated a large-scale evacuation effort, relocating nearly 50,000 people to relief camps as Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal. The storm, expected to strengthen into a severe cyclone by Tuesday, is forecast to bring destructive winds and torrential rains to the eastern states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Disaster response teams have been deployed to evacuate families from vulnerable low-lying areas, while fishermen in Odisha have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea. Authorities have canceled holidays for emergency personnel and ordered the closure of schools and colleges in coastal regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts the cyclone will make landfall in Andhra Pradesh later on Tuesday. This comes as the region braces for potential widespread damage, with 3.9 million people anticipated to be affected. Cyclones are a recurring threat to India’s east coast, particularly between April and December. The 1999 Odisha super cyclone, which claimed nearly 10,000 lives, remains one of the country’s most devastating natural disasters. Meanwhile, neighboring Tamil Nadu has issued alerts for heavy rainfall, with Chennai, the state capital, at risk of flooding. In Nepal, disaster authorities have warned of potential rain and snowfall, urging trekkers to exercise caution following recent floods and landslides that killed 53 people this month.
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Trump says he had ‘perfect’ MRI at Walter Reed hospital
President Donald Trump recently disclosed that he underwent an MRI scan during a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center earlier this month. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to a week-long trip in Asia, Trump described the results as ‘perfect.’ The 79-year-old president, one of the oldest in U.S. history, did not specify the reason for the scan but emphasized the positive outcome. His physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, stated that the MRI was part of a ‘scheduled follow-up evaluation’ within Trump’s ongoing health maintenance plan, which included advanced imaging, laboratory testing, and preventative assessments. Dr. Barbabella affirmed that Trump ‘continues to demonstrate excellent overall health.’ Earlier this year, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a benign condition common in older individuals, which causes blood to pool in the lower limbs due to impaired vein function. The White House clarified that recent bruising on Trump’s hands, visible in photographs, was unrelated to this condition and resulted from frequent handshaking. MRI scans, which use strong magnetic fields to create detailed images of soft tissues, are a standard diagnostic tool, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
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Pakistan and Afghanistan hold third day of peace talks as border tensions test ceasefire
Peace negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan entered their third day on Monday in Istanbul, Turkey, as both nations seek to de-escalate ongoing border tensions. The talks, facilitated by Qatar and hosted by Turkey, follow a recent ceasefire agreement brokered on October 19 after deadly clashes along the border resulted in significant casualties on both sides. U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, expressed optimism about resolving the crisis “very quickly.” However, violence persists, with Pakistan’s army reporting the killing of 25 militants and the loss of five soldiers during recent border skirmishes. The discussions aim to solidify the ceasefire and address broader issues, including Pakistan’s allegations that Afghanistan harbors militants responsible for cross-border attacks. Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the talks are ongoing, though no outcomes have been announced. Meanwhile, trade and border communities await a resolution, as key trade routes remain closed, leaving hundreds of trucks stranded. The negotiations mark a critical effort to stabilize a region plagued by decades of conflict, dating back to Pakistan’s role in the U.S.-backed war against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan in 1979.
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Largest federal employee union demands Congress end shutdown
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), representing the largest segment of U.S. federal workers, has issued an urgent plea to Congress to pass a short-term funding bill to end the ongoing government shutdown. The shutdown, now in its 27th day, has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay, forcing many to seek assistance from food banks and other charitable organizations. AFGE National President Everett Kelley emphasized the need for a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government without further delay, ensuring that all federal workers receive full back pay. The impasse stems from a disagreement between Democrats and Republicans over extending subsidies for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans, which millions of Americans rely on. Approximately 670,000 federal employees are currently furloughed, while 730,000 are working without pay, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. The financial strain on these workers has been severe, with many missing their first paychecks last Friday. Despite a 2019 law signed by former President Donald Trump guaranteeing back pay for federal employees during shutdowns, concerns have been raised that this may not be enforced this time. The AFGE has called for immediate action to address the crisis, highlighting the broader implications for cost of living and the appropriations process. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has sought alternative funding sources, including a $130 million donation from an unnamed benefactor to pay U.S. troops during the shutdown. Democrats have criticized the administration for not utilizing reserve funds to support programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which aids millions of low-income families. The prolonged shutdown has sparked widespread condemnation, with lawmakers describing it as a cruel and unlawful act by the Trump administration.
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Dubai: Gold, silver prices fall as markets open on Monday
Gold and silver prices in Dubai experienced a decline on Monday morning, reflecting ongoing market volatility driven by a mix of technical and fundamental factors. Globally, spot gold prices dropped by 0.83% to $4,079.38 per ounce, while silver fell by 0.53% to $48.34 at 10 am UAE time. In Dubai, 24K gold was priced at Dh491.50, with 22K, 21K, and 18K gold also slipping to Dh455, Dh436.25, and Dh374 per gram, respectively. This downturn follows a record high of Dh525.25 on October 21, which was followed by the sharpest one-day decline in over a decade, retreating more than six per cent. Dilin Wu, Research Strategist at Pepperstone, noted that the market had seen nine consecutive weeks of bullish activity, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) in overbought territory since early September, signaling the need for a corrective pullback. Nishin Thaslim, Chairman of Nishka Jewelry, attributed the decline to global optimism stemming from the nearing end of the US-China trade war, which has reduced safe-haven demand for gold. Additionally, the CME’s 5.2% increase in margin requirements for gold and silver has dampened short-term buying momentum. Looking ahead, gold is expected to trade within a neutral to slightly bearish range, influenced by risk sentiment and key economic developments, including the outcome of the US-China leaders’ meeting at APEC and the Federal Reserve’s policy decisions.
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Lithuania to shoot down smuggling balloons, PM warns
Lithuania has announced stringent measures to counter the increasing incursions of helium weather balloons from Belarus, which are being used for cigarette smuggling. Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene declared that the Lithuanian army is prepared to take severe actions, including shooting down these balloons, to protect its airspace. The decision follows multiple disruptions at Vilnius Airport, which was forced to close several times over the past week, affecting 112 flights and over 16,500 passengers. Additionally, border checkpoints with Belarus have been closed indefinitely in response to the ongoing violations. Ruginiene emphasized that while diplomats, EU citizens, and Lithuanians will still be permitted to cross the border, all other movements will be restricted. She stated, ‘We are sending a clear signal to Belarus that no hybrid attack will be tolerated, and we will take the strictest measures to prevent such incidents.’ Lithuania also plans to consult its NATO allies regarding the threat posed by these balloons and may consider invoking NATO’s Article 4, which allows member states to request consultations on security concerns. The phenomenon is not new, with 544 balloons recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus this year alone, following 966 incidents in 2024. Similar airspace violations have also been reported in other European cities, including Copenhagen and Munich.