In a significant diplomatic gesture, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has awarded the Order of Zayed II (First Class) to Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE. The prestigious honor was bestowed in recognition of Ambassador Tirmizi’s exceptional contributions to enhancing bilateral ties between the UAE and Pakistan during his tenure. The award ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi, was presided over by Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, UAE Minister of State. During the event, Al Marar emphasized the UAE’s commitment to fostering stronger relations with Pakistan across various sectors, highlighting the ambassador’s pivotal role in advancing mutual cooperation. Ambassador Tirmizi expressed profound gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed, lauding the UAE’s remarkable progress and its leadership’s vision for international engagement. He also extended his appreciation to UAE government entities for their unwavering support, which significantly contributed to the success of his diplomatic mission.
作者: admin
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Former Japanese prime minister Tomiichi Murayama dies at age of 101
Former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, a pivotal figure in Japan’s political landscape, has died at the age of 101, as reported by Kyodo News. Murayama, who served as the nation’s leader from 1994 to 1996, was renowned for his historic 1995 apology for Japan’s wartime actions, a statement that significantly shaped Japan’s post-war diplomatic relations. His tenure marked a period of political reform and reconciliation, particularly in addressing Japan’s wartime legacy. Murayama’s passing has prompted reflections on his contributions to fostering peace and stability in the region. His legacy continues to resonate, particularly in his efforts to mend ties with neighboring countries affected by Japan’s wartime aggression.
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Hackers use Canada, US airport PA systems to praise Hamas, criticise Trump
In a coordinated cyberattack, hackers infiltrated the public address (PA) systems and flight information displays at four airports across Canada and the United States on Tuesday, October 15, 2025. The breaches occurred at Kelowna International Airport and Victoria International Airport in British Columbia, Windsor International Airport in Ontario, and Harrisburg International Airport in Pennsylvania. The hackers broadcast messages praising Hamas and criticizing former U.S. President Donald Trump, along with unauthorized images and music. According to officials, the attackers exploited third-party software and cloud-based systems to gain access. The Kelowna Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that an advertisement streaming service at Kelowna Airport was briefly compromised. Similarly, Victoria Airport switched to an internal system to regain control after the breach. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security is collaborating with the RCMP and affected airports to investigate the incidents. In the U.S., Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged the breach at Harrisburg International Airport, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also involved in the probe. All four airports, which are smaller regional hubs, reported that their systems were restored to normal shortly after the attacks. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in airport cybersecurity infrastructure and raises concerns about the potential for future disruptions.
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Koreans allegedly involved in online scams in Cambodia to be repatriated to face probes at home
In a significant development, dozens of South Korean nationals allegedly linked to online scam operations in Cambodia are set to be repatriated to their home country. A charter flight is scheduled to depart Phnom Penh on Saturday, marking a collaborative effort between South Korea and Cambodia to address the growing issue of fraudulent activities in the region. This move comes in the wake of the tragic death of a South Korean student, who was reportedly coerced into working at a scam center in Cambodia, sparking widespread public outrage in South Korea. The incident prompted the South Korean government to dispatch a high-level delegation to Phnom Penh for discussions on joint measures to combat such crimes. Approximately 60 South Koreans, previously detained during crackdowns on scam centers, are expected to be on the flight. Upon their return, they will undergo investigations to determine whether they were willing participants or victims of deceptive job advertisements. South Korean officials estimate that around 1,000 of their citizens are among the 200,000 workers employed in Cambodian scam centers. The rise in online scams, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has created a dual victim pool: individuals forced into fraudulent activities under duress and those targeted by scams. The South Korean government has also implemented a travel ban to certain parts of Cambodia, including Bokor Mountain in Kampot province, where the deceased student was found. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged Seoul to reconsider these restrictions. Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for immediate action to curb illegal job advertisements not only in Cambodia but across Southeast Asia. The global reach of these scam centers has expanded, with reports of victims being trafficked from regions as far as South America, Western Europe, and Eastern Africa, according to an Interpol report released in June.
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What to know about the Madagascar army colonel who was ‘in the shadows’ before launching a coup
In a dramatic turn of events, Col. Michael Randrianirina, a relatively unknown military figure, ascended to the presidency of Madagascar on Friday, just six days after orchestrating a military coup. His rapid rise to power followed weeks of widespread anti-government protests, primarily led by the nation’s youth, culminating in the ousting of former President Andry Rajoelina. Randrianirina, a former governor of the impoverished southern region of Androy, has long been a vocal critic of Rajoelina. His political journey has been marked by controversy, including a 2023 arrest for alleged mutiny planning, which led to a brief detention in the notorious Tsiafahy Prison. Despite these challenges, Randrianirina managed to retain his military status and eventually took command of the elite CAPSAT unit, which played a pivotal role in the coup. His leadership emerged during the protests, as he rode an armored vehicle alongside demonstrators, solidifying his position as the uprising’s de facto leader. However, his ascent has drawn international condemnation, with both the United Nations and the African Union suspending Madagascar’s membership in response to the coup.
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Egypt to freeze domestic fuel prices for a year after latest hike
In a significant move to stabilize its economy, Egypt has announced a one-year freeze on domestic fuel prices following a recent increase. The decision, confirmed by the petroleum ministry, comes after the government raised prices on a wide range of fuel products by 10.5% to 12.9%, marking the second hike this year. This aligns with Egypt’s broader strategy to reduce subsidies and address its budget deficit. Diesel, a widely used fuel in the country, saw a price increase of 2 Egyptian pounds ($0.0421) to 17.50 pounds per litre. The government remains committed to aligning domestic fuel prices with actual costs by December, as part of its agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under an $8 billion loan. The IMF has urged Egypt to cut subsidies on fuel, electricity, and food while expanding social safety nets. Despite these measures, Egypt’s current account deficit stood at $2.2 billion in the second quarter, with oil product imports rising to $500 million from $400 million a year earlier. The freeze aims to provide economic stability amid global market uncertainties.
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Dutch Supreme Court rejects Russia’s final appeal in $50B Yukos case
In a landmark ruling, the Dutch Supreme Court on Friday dismissed Russia’s final appeal against a $50 billion arbitration award to former shareholders of Yukos, the once-mighty Russian oil giant. The court declared the decision as the conclusive end to a protracted legal battle that has spanned over two decades. The former shareholders allege that the Kremlin orchestrated the company’s bankruptcy in 2003 to neutralize its CEO, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin. The ruling upheld a 2023 decision by Amsterdam judges, which rejected Russia’s last legal argument in a case stemming from a 2014 arbitration panel’s verdict. The panel, based in The Hague, had found that Moscow deliberately crippled Yukos with exorbitant tax claims to seize control of its assets and remove Khodorkovsky from the political arena. Khodorkovsky was arrested in 2003 and spent over a decade in prison while Yukos’s primary assets were sold to a state-owned entity, leading to the company’s eventual bankruptcy. Tim Osborne, CEO of GML, a holding company representing the former majority shareholders, hailed the ruling as a historic victory, emphasizing that it reaffirms the principle that no state is above the law. Osborne vowed to focus on enforcing the award against Russian state assets globally, noting that the total amount, including interest, now exceeds $65 billion.
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Malaysia soccer federation suspends senior official in fallout from FIFA cheating accusations
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has taken decisive action by suspending its secretary general, Noor Azman Rahman, following allegations by FIFA that the country fielded ineligible players in a 2027 Asian Cup qualifier. The controversy stems from falsified documentation involving the players’ grandparents, which led to FIFA suspending seven overseas-born players and imposing a $438,000 fine on FAM. The incident occurred during a June match where Malaysia triumphed over Vietnam with a 4-0 victory.
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UAE weather: Fog alerts issued; temperature to drop to 18ºC
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is bracing for a shift in weather conditions, with fog alerts issued across several regions. The National Centre of Meteorology has warned of reduced horizontal visibility due to fog and mist, particularly in western areas. Both yellow and red alerts remain active until 9 am today, urging residents to exercise caution.
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US governor wins $1.4m playing blackjack in Las Vegas
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a two-term Democrat and billionaire heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune, reportedly won $1.4 million (£1 million) during a blackjack game at a Las Vegas casino last year, according to his recent tax filings. The governor, who has a net worth of $3.9 billion (£2.9 billion) as per Forbes, was on holiday with his wife and friends at the time. A campaign spokesperson confirmed to CBS that Pritzker intends to donate the winnings to charity, though no timeline was provided for the donation. At a press conference on Thursday, Pritzker described himself as “incredibly lucky” and acknowledged the rarity of leaving a casino with a profit. He also referenced his previous charitable endeavors, including the Chicago Poker Challenge, which has raised millions for the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. Pritzker and his wife, Mary Kathryn, reported a total income of $10.6 million (£7.8 million) in 2024, primarily from dividends and capital gains, with $1.6 million paid in taxes on taxable income of $5.87 million. The governor, known for his vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump, has clashed with Trump over federal actions in Chicago, which he labeled as “authoritarian.” Pritzker is expected to seek a third term as governor in 2026 but has remained tight-lipped about any aspirations beyond his current role.
