Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, a revered figure who epitomized elegance and played a pivotal role in the country’s post-war revival, has passed away at the age of 93. The Thai Royal Household Bureau announced her death on Saturday, marking the end of an era for a woman who was not only a style icon but also a significant political and social influence. Sirikit had been hospitalized since 2019 due to multiple health issues and succumbed to a bloodstream infection on October 17, passing away late Friday night. A year-long mourning period has been declared for the royal family and household. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul canceled his attendance at the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia to address the national loss, and the cabinet convened to discuss funeral arrangements. Born in 1932, Sirikit Kitiyakara led a life of privilege as the daughter of Thailand’s ambassador to France. She met her future husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, while studying in Paris, and their marriage in 1950 marked the beginning of a partnership that would shape Thailand’s monarchy for decades. Sirikit’s fashion sense and beauty captivated global audiences, particularly during her 1960 visit to the United States, where she was celebrated for her grace and style. Her collaboration with French designer Pierre Balmain helped revive Thailand’s silk industry, and her charitable work with King Bhumibol endeared her to the Thai people. Sirikit’s legacy extends beyond her glamour; she championed rural development and maternal virtue, with her birthday becoming Mother’s Day in Thailand. While the monarchy is officially apolitical, Sirikit occasionally intervened in political matters, notably supporting movements that opposed populist leader Thaksin Shinawatra. Her death leaves a profound void in a nation where she was revered as a symbol of maternal care and national unity. She is survived by her son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and three daughters.
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‘Disciplinary’ actions in school: How UAE teachers help, instead of punish, students
In a transformative shift, schools across the UAE are redefining discipline, moving away from punitive measures to focus on empathy, self-reflection, and emotional intelligence. This approach comes as the Ministry of Education (MoE) introduces a comprehensive Student Behaviour Code for the academic year, outlining 46 types of violations and corresponding interventions. The framework categorizes misconduct into four levels of severity, emphasizing the creation of a values-based learning environment that prioritizes safety and respect. This change gains urgency following the tragic suicide of a 14-year-old UAE expat’s son in Kerala, India, allegedly due to school-related humiliation, which sparked widespread protests and the suspension of two teachers. UAE educators are now leveraging writing and counseling to help students process their emotions. Arogya Reddy, Principal of Ambassador School Sharjah, highlights how disruptive students are encouraged to express their feelings through writing, often leading to emotional release and calmness. The school’s approach involves counselors who guide students in self-awareness and reflection, with no pressure to share their writings publicly. The MoE’s Code of Conduct also addresses online misconduct, involving parents and formal warnings. Pramod Mahajan, Principal of Sharjah Indian School, explains the tiered corrective measures, starting with verbal warnings and escalating to parental involvement if necessary. Schools also monitor social media activity to prevent inappropriate behavior. Veena Nair of Delhi Private School Sharjah emphasizes fostering self-discipline through mutual respect and responsibility, with student-led initiatives like the Praefectorial Board playing a key role in maintaining a respectful and supportive environment. This holistic approach aims to create a safe space where students feel empowered to learn from their experiences.
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The upcoming National Games forges friendship among GBA cities
At the Greater Bay Area Conference 2025 held on Thursday, Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, highlighted the deepening camaraderie among Hong Kong, Macao, and Guangdong province as they gear up for the 15th National Games. The event, set to take place in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), is not just a sporting spectacle but also a platform for fostering regional unity and collaboration. Law emphasized that the Games symbolize a shared commitment to excellence and mutual support among the participating cities. The preparation process has already seen increased cultural and economic exchanges, further solidifying the bonds within the GBA. This collaboration is expected to leave a lasting legacy, enhancing the region’s global standing and promoting sustainable development. The National Games, therefore, serve as a testament to the power of sports in bridging communities and driving collective progress.
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Cameroon opposition leaders arrested as protests erupt over election results
In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, two prominent opposition leaders in Cameroon were arrested late Friday, according to their respective parties. Anicet Ekane and Djeukam Tchameni, key figures in the Union for Change political platform, were detained in Douala, the country’s economic hub. The platform had endorsed presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claims to have defeated incumbent President Paul Biya in the October 12 election. The African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) also reported that its treasurer and other members were “kidnapped” by security forces, alleging the move was intended to intimidate the populace. The circumstances surrounding the arrests remain unclear. Cameroon’s electoral body is set to announce the final election results on Monday, but opposition supporters have already taken to the streets, warning against potential vote rigging. Protests erupted in Bafoussam, the capital of the West Region, where motorcyclists flooded major roads demanding a transparent electoral process. Earlier in the week, clashes between protesters and security forces in other cities led to multiple arrests and the tragic death of a 30-year-old primary school teacher, Zairatou Hassana, in Garoua. Hassana, who was not involved in the protests, was reportedly checking on her sister when she was killed. Her uncle, Amadou Adji, expressed deep sorrow, stating, ‘Her death makes me keep a bad souvenir of this regime like all other Cameroonians.’ Tchiroma, in a Facebook post, hinted at attempts to arrest him, calling such actions ‘an assault against the entire Cameroonian people’ and urging recognition of the people’s victory.
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‘I am not done’ – Kamala Harris tells BBC she may run for president again
Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has hinted at a potential return to the political arena, suggesting she may run for the presidency in 2028. In her first UK interview with the BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, Harris expressed confidence in her political future, stating, ‘I am not done. I have lived my entire career as a life of service, and it’s in my bones.’ Despite her loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 election, Harris dismissed unfavorable polls and reaffirmed her commitment to public service. She also criticized Trump, labeling him a ‘tyrant’ and asserting that her warnings about his authoritarian tendencies during the campaign had been vindicated. Harris pointed to Trump’s alleged weaponization of federal agencies, including the suspension of late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel, as evidence of his overreach. While reflecting on her 2024 campaign, Harris acknowledged the challenges of entering the race late after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal but stopped short of assigning blame. She emphasized the narrow margin in the popular vote, though she was decisively defeated in the electoral college. As the Democratic Party grapples with its future, Harris’s potential candidacy raises questions about the party’s strategy against right-wing populism. Her recent book, *107 Days*, chronicles her tumultuous campaign and offers insights into her political journey. Harris’s candid remarks signal her readiness for another presidential bid, though she remains noncommittal about her final decision.
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China, US begin new round of trade talks in Malaysia
In a significant move to address ongoing economic tensions, China and the United States initiated a new round of trade negotiations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday. The discussions are being spearheaded by Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who is leading a high-level delegation to engage with US representatives. This meeting marks a pivotal effort to stabilize the economic relationship between the two global superpowers, whose trade disputes have had far-reaching implications for the global economy. The talks aim to identify common ground and explore solutions to longstanding issues that have strained bilateral ties. Both nations have expressed cautious optimism about the potential outcomes, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue in fostering mutual economic growth and stability.
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UAE fuel rates: Will petrol prices drop in November?
The UAE is set to announce revised petrol and diesel rates for November on October 31, 2025, with indications pointing toward a possible decrease in fuel prices. This adjustment aligns with the downward trend in global crude oil prices observed throughout October. The average closing price of Brent crude stood at $65.22 per barrel this month, a decline from $67 in September, signaling a potential reduction in retail fuel costs. However, recent geopolitical developments, including US sanctions on Russian oil companies, have caused a temporary rebound in oil prices, with WTI and Brent trading at $61.61 and $66.05 per barrel, respectively, as of Friday night. In October, the UAE’s Fuel Price Committee increased petrol rates by seven fils per litre, setting Super 98, Special 95, and E-Plus 91 at Dh2.77, Dh2.58, and Dh2.71 per litre, respectively. Analysts remain divided on future price trends. While Bank of America maintains a $55 price forecast, citing steady Asian demand and OPEC+ supply discipline, Citigroup predicts further declines, potentially to $50, if economic momentum and geopolitical risks diminish. Nadir Belbarka, an analyst at XMArabia, highlighted the bearish outlook driven by projected supply increases of over three million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025 and 2.4 million bpd in 2026, coupled with slowing demand growth of just 700,000 bpd annually. Despite this, geopolitical tensions, including concerns over Russian exports and Iranian output, continue to provide some price support.
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Ousted Madagascan president stripped of citizenship
Madagascar’s political landscape has been thrown into disarray following the ousting of former President Andry Rajoelina in a military coup last week. The new regime, led by Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, has taken the unprecedented step of revoking Rajoelina’s Malagasy citizenship, citing local laws that mandate the loss of nationality for individuals who acquire foreign citizenship. Rajoelina, 51, obtained French citizenship a decade ago, a move that had previously sparked controversy during the 2023 presidential election, which he ultimately won despite calls for his disqualification. The former president fled the country after weeks of escalating protests over chronic power and water shortages, which culminated in a military takeover led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina. Rajoelina has since gone into hiding, citing concerns for his safety, and his current whereabouts remain unknown. The protests, initially organized by the youth movement Gen Z Mada and inspired by similar anti-government demonstrations in Nepal, intensified after Rajoelina’s government responded with violence. Despite sacking his energy minister and later his entire government, Rajoelina’s efforts to quell the unrest proved futile. Protesters had hoped for his resignation to facilitate a democratic transition, but his refusal to step down led to the military’s intervention. Colonel Randrianirina has now been sworn in as the new leader, promising to hold elections within two years.
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China, US start economic, trade talks in Kuala Lumpur
In a significant move to strengthen bilateral economic relations, delegations from China and the United States commenced high-level economic and trade talks in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. The discussions, led by Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, aim to address key issues in the economic and trade relationship between the two nations. The talks are based on the important consensus reached by the heads of state of China and the US during their phone conversations earlier this year, as stated by a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce. This meeting underscores the ongoing efforts by both countries to navigate complex economic challenges and foster mutual cooperation in trade and commerce. The outcome of these talks is anticipated to have a profound impact on global economic stability and the future trajectory of Sino-US relations.
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China, US to start trade talks in Kuala Lumpur
In a significant development for global trade relations, China and the United States are set to initiate a new round of trade discussions in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this Saturday. The talks come at a crucial juncture as both nations seek to address longstanding trade disputes and explore avenues for economic collaboration. Journalists are stationed at the venue to provide real-time updates as the negotiations unfold. This meeting is expected to build on previous dialogues, with a focus on reducing tariffs, enhancing market access, and fostering mutual economic growth. The choice of Kuala Lumpur as the venue underscores Malaysia’s growing role as a neutral and strategic hub for international diplomacy. The outcome of these talks could have far-reaching implications for global trade dynamics, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.