Tomiichi Murayama, former Prime Minister of Japan, passed away on October 17, 2025, at the age of 101 in Oita City. His death marks the end of an era for a leader who profoundly shaped Japan’s post-war identity through his commitment to historical accountability and fostering cross-border friendships, particularly with Asian neighbors. Murayama, who led a coalition government in the mid-1990s, is best remembered for the landmark Murayama Statement issued on August 15, 1995. This declaration acknowledged Japan’s wartime aggression and colonial rule, expressing remorse for the immense suffering inflicted on Asian nations. The statement played a pivotal role in rebuilding trust between Japan and its neighbors, including China. On his 100th birthday in 2024, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning praised Murayama as a steadfast advocate for Sino-Japanese friendship, emphasizing the enduring significance of the Murayama Statement as a solemn commitment to peace. Murayama’s leadership also navigated domestic crises, including the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake and the Tokyo subway sarin gas attack. His visit to China in 1995, where he paid respects at the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression Memorial Hall, underscored his dedication to reconciliation. Born in 1924, Murayama’s political career spanned decades, culminating in his premiership from 1994 to 1996. His legacy remains a cornerstone of Japan’s post-war diplomacy and its pursuit of a peaceful future.
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Dubai Basketball overpowers FC Barcelona in EuroLeague victory at Coca-Cola Arena
Dubai Basketball showcased a masterclass performance on Thursday night, defeating FC Barcelona 83:78 in a thrilling EuroLeague clash at the Coca-Cola Arena. From the opening tip-off, Jurica Golemac’s squad executed a disciplined game plan, focusing on controlling the paint and dictating the tempo. The frontcourt duo of Filip Petrušev and Mfiondu Kabengele set the tone early, combining for 13 of Dubai’s first 18 points and helping the team establish a commanding double-digit lead. Dubai’s offensive strategy emphasized efficiency over volume, with the team refraining from attempting a three-pointer until the closing minute of the first half, when McKinley Wright IV confidently sank one from distance. By then, Dubai had already built a solid foundation with 12 made shots inside the arc. The third quarter saw Petrušev dominate with 12 points, while Dwayne Bacon relentlessly attacked the rim, drawing contact and creating high-percentage opportunities. Despite Barcelona’s attempts to close the gap, Dubai maintained composure and extended their lead with timely three-pointers from Davis Bertans and Klemen Prepelič. In the final moments, Bacon and Petrušev sealed the victory with crucial baskets. Petrušev led all scorers with 23 points, while Bacon added 20, and Kabengele contributed a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Dubai’s next matchup is scheduled for Sunday, 19 October, against ABA League newcomers U-BT Cluj at the Coca-Cola Arena. Tickets are available on the venue’s official website.
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Chad restores ties with wildlife charity linked to Prince Harry
In a significant turn of events, African Parks, a conservation organization with ties to Prince Harry, has rekindled its partnership with the government of Chad, just days after the central African nation severed ties with the group. The initial termination on October 6 was prompted by allegations of African Parks’ failure to effectively combat poaching and accusations of an arrogant and uncooperative attitude. However, in a joint statement released on Friday, both parties announced the resumption of their collaboration, emphasizing a renewed spirit of dialogue and cooperation. The agreement reinstates African Parks’ management of Zakouma National Park and the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve, both of which the organization had overseen for 15 years prior to the recent fallout. Under the new terms, African Parks will continue to finance and co-manage these protected areas while pursuing future conservation projects. Peter Fearnhead, CEO of African Parks, hailed the reinstatement as a ‘stable foundation’ for safeguarding Chad’s natural and cultural heritage, alongside the communities that depend on them. The reconciliation follows a challenging period marked by intense negotiations and mutual efforts to address past grievances. Earlier this year, African Parks faced criticism for alleged abuses by its employees in a park in the Republic of Congo, though the organization declined to release an independent report on the matter. Founded in 2000, African Parks remains committed to protecting Africa’s national parks and advancing global conservation efforts.
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Fighting in Sudan’s besieged city triples number of displaced people in a nearby town: UN official
The ongoing conflict in Sudan’s North Darfur region has reached a critical juncture, with the embattled capital of el-Fasher becoming a focal point of violence. According to Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General for Operations at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the fighting has tripled the number of displaced people in Tawila, a town 60 kilometers away, and reduced el-Fasher’s population by 62% this year alone. Daniels emphasized that Sudan is now the world’s largest displacement crisis, with over 12 million people displaced and 24 million facing acute food insecurity. The conflict, which began in 2023 between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese military, has claimed at least 40,000 lives and devastated infrastructure, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan. El-Fasher, the military’s last stronghold in Darfur, has seen intensified attacks, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The collapse of health care systems has led to rampant diseases like cholera, malaria, and dengue fever, with over 113,000 cholera cases and 3,000 deaths recorded since July 2024. Despite efforts to distribute mosquito nets and restore health services, access to essential aid remains severely restricted due to ongoing violence and attacks on aid convoys. Daniels and Sudan’s Health Minister Haitham Ibrahim have called for increased international support and a ceasefire to address the dire situation. Daniels stressed that peace is essential to provide assistance to those in need, as humanitarian funding remains critically low, with only 26% of Sudan’s overall response plan funded.
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GFS Developments marks a new milestone with grand groundbreaking ceremony
GFS Developments, a leading global real estate developer, celebrated a significant milestone with a grand groundbreaking ceremony, underscoring its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and lifestyle-driven communities. The event, held on October 17, 2025, was attended by renowned actress and GFS brand ambassador Tamannaah Bhatia, whose presence highlighted the company’s vision of luxury and cosmopolitan living. With over 25 years of industry expertise, GFS Developments has delivered more than 2 million units across 10+ countries, setting new standards in modern residential and mixed-use developments. Michael Collings, General Manager of GFS Developments, reiterated the company’s mission to create world-class communities that inspire confidence and pride. The company’s flexible payment structures and tailored financial solutions cater to both end-users and investors, ensuring convenience and long-term value. Bhatia praised GFS for its future-ready approach, blending innovation and trust to redefine urban living. As GFS continues to expand globally, it remains dedicated to delivering projects that embody sustainability, modern luxury, and excellence.
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Russians and Ukrainians expect no major breakthrough at planned Trump-Putin summit
As U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin prepare for an upcoming summit in Budapest, Hungary, residents of Russia and Ukraine remain cautiously hopeful yet skeptical about the prospects of ending the ongoing conflict. The meeting, agreed upon during a recent phone call, follows Trump’s scheduled discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. However, expectations for a major breakthrough remain low, given the lack of progress in previous talks. Artyom Kondratov, a 36-year-old Moscow resident, expressed doubts, stating, ‘When they meet, I don’t think anything will be achieved quickly.’ He anticipates minor advancements, such as prisoner exchanges and the return of children, but no significant resolutions. Alexander Fedotov, another Moscow resident, believes Trump’s efforts could yield results, noting, ‘Trump isn’t going to Europe for nothing. I think there will be progress.’ Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the mood is less optimistic. Marichka Fartushna, an army medic, criticized the previous meetings as unproductive, asserting, ‘Trump has clearly shown his position. He is not for Ukraine.’ Despite the skepticism, Ukrainian veteran Ivan Balatskyi remains hopeful for continued U.S. support, emphasizing Ukraine’s readiness to fight until the end. The summit comes over three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and more than a decade after the annexation of Crimea, with many weary of the prolonged conflict. Svetlana, a 55-year-old resident of Sevastopol, voiced a common sentiment: ‘I wish everyone well and peace. We’re all waiting for this, all Russians want it.’
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Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway handles over 12m passengers in 2 years
The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, Southeast Asia’s first high-speed rail system, has successfully completed two years of operation, transporting over 12 million passengers since its inauguration. Operated by the China State Railway Group, the 142.3-kilometer railway has achieved more than 5.65 million kilometers of safe travel, with daily ridership peaking at 26,770 passengers.
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Husband guilty in murder case without a body that shocked France
In a case that has captivated France for years, 38-year-old painter-decorator Cédric Jubillar has been found guilty of murdering his wife, Delphine Jubillar, despite the absence of her body. The trial, which lasted four weeks in the southern town of Albi, concluded with Jubillar being sentenced to 30 years in prison. The jury, comprising six civilians and three magistrates, determined that circumstantial evidence was sufficient to convict him, even though Delphine’s remains were never found. Prosecutors had sought the maximum sentence, and Jubillar’s defense team has announced plans to appeal the verdict. Delphine, 33, vanished on the night of December 15-16, 2020, during the Covid pandemic, from the couple’s home in Cagnac-les-Mines, where they lived with their two young children. Jubillar reported her missing at 04:00 on December 16, claiming he had been awakened by their younger child’s cries. Extensive searches, including in nearby abandoned mines, yielded no trace of her. The trial revealed that the couple’s relationship had deteriorated, with Delphine seeking a divorce and beginning an affair with a man she met on a chatline. Prosecutors argued that Jubillar killed her in a fit of rage after she disclosed the affair, likely by strangulation, and disposed of her body in the surrounding countryside. Key evidence included Delphine’s car parked unusually, broken glasses in the sitting room, and Jubillar’s lack of movement recorded on his phone pedometer. Psychological assessments portrayed Jubillar as a troubled individual with a history of substance abuse and difficulty maintaining employment. His defense argued that the evidence was speculative and that no physical traces of a crime were found. However, the jury’s ‘intimate conviction’ of his guilt led to the verdict. The case has sparked widespread media attention and online speculation, with amateur detectives offering theories about Delphine’s disappearance. Jubillar’s lawyers maintain his innocence and plan to challenge the decision in a higher court.
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Tanishq brings the magic of ‘India Wali Diwali’ to the heart of the UAE and GCC
Tanishq, India’s renowned jewellery brand under the Tata Group, is bringing the essence of ‘India Wali Diwali’ to the UAE and GCC regions this festive season. The brand has unveiled a vibrant campaign that encapsulates the traditions, emotions, and togetherness of Diwali, making it a celebration of love, laughter, and legacy. The campaign aims to recreate the sights, sounds, and soul of an Indian Diwali, ensuring that the festive spirit resonates with people, no matter where they are. From the glow of diyas to the shimmer of gold, Tanishq’s initiative is a heartfelt tribute to the cherished moments that make Diwali special. To enhance the festive experience, Tanishq has introduced exclusive offers, including savings on gold and diamond jewellery, zero deductions on gold exchange, and advance booking benefits to safeguard against rising gold prices. These limited-time promotions are designed to make festive shopping more rewarding, encouraging customers to invest in meaningful pieces that carry lasting value. Aditya Kejriwal, head of marketing for Titan Company Limited’s international business, emphasized that Diwali is more than a festival—it’s an emotion that connects people to their roots and to each other. The ‘India Wali Diwali’ campaign reflects this sentiment, celebrating the idea that the spirit of Diwali transcends geographical boundaries. The campaign is supported by a festive film that captures moments of joy, belonging, and shared celebration, reinforcing Tanishq’s belief that jewellery is not just adornment but a symbol of love and connection. The brand’s festive collection features designs that embody Diwali’s optimism and elegance, crafted with timeless artistry and intricate detailing. Each piece is designed to evoke the beauty of connection, whether as a gift for a loved one or a celebration of one’s personal journey.
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Kerala’s 93-year-old Ayurvedic legacy arrives in Dubai with first global centre
Dhanwantari Vaidyasala, a renowned Ayurvedic institution from Kerala, has inaugurated its first international centre in Bur Dubai, marking a significant milestone in its 93-year history. Founded in 1933, the Kerala-based institution has long been a beacon of authentic Ayurvedic healing and wellness. The new facility in Al Ain Center aims to make its acclaimed treatments more accessible to UAE residents, many of whom previously travelled to India for care. This expansion is part of a broader vision to establish a global presence under the banner of ‘Dhanwantari Global.’ Dr Satheesh Kumar Namboothiri, the managing director, revealed ambitious plans to open new centres in Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, the Philippines, Germany, and Australia by 2026. The Dubai centre will focus on addressing modern health challenges, including diabetes and chronic diseases, through authentic Ayurvedic methods. Dr Sathya K Pillai, the medical director, emphasized the facility’s advanced diagnostic systems and specialised treatments for conditions like neuropathy, eye ailments, and skin and hair care. Additionally, Dhanwantari UAE plans to expand its footprint across the Gulf, with 10 direct outlets, franchise models, and kiosks set to open within the next three years. The brand has already integrated into the local community by acquiring the Ayur Sathya clinic and will soon introduce long-term treatment packages for regular clients.