In a significant development in the investigation of last month’s high-profile theft at the Louvre Museum, Paris prosecutors have announced the arrest of four additional individuals. The suspects, comprising two men aged 38 and 39, and two women aged 31 and 40, were apprehended on Tuesday. All are residents of the Paris region. French media reports suggest that one of the detainees is believed to be the final member of a four-person gang allegedly responsible for the audacious daylight robbery. This brings the total number of arrested suspects to eight, with three men and one woman already charged in connection with the heist. The stolen jewels, valued at €88 million (£76 million; $102 million), remain missing since the theft on October 19. The investigation has revealed that the thieves used a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to access the Galerie d’Apollon via a balcony near the River Seine. They employed a disc cutter to break into display cases, making off with eight items of jewelry, including a crown that was dropped during their escape. The Louvre’s security measures have come under scrutiny, with the museum’s president acknowledging shortcomings but denying negligence. Enhanced security protocols have since been implemented across France’s cultural institutions, and the Louvre has relocated some of its most valuable artifacts to the Bank of France for safekeeping.
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Sudan’s RSF announces three-month unilateral humanitarian truce
In a significant development, Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced a unilateral three-month humanitarian truce on Monday, responding to international calls for peace. This decision follows a proposal by the Quad—comprising the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia—for a three-month ceasefire followed by peace talks. RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo emphasized that the truce was a response to efforts by US President Donald Trump and other international stakeholders. However, the RSF’s commitment to peace has been questioned, as it launched drone strikes on army territory shortly after accepting the Quad’s plan. Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, rejected the Quad’s proposal, accusing it of weakening the Sudanese army and favoring the RSF. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 over disagreements on integrating the RSF and the army, has plunged Sudan into famine and resulted in tens of thousands of civilian deaths. The RSF has faced allegations of genocide and brutal attacks on civilians, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan regions. Both Dagalo and Burhan have been sanctioned by the United States for their roles in the violence. The UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, criticized Burhan for obstructing peace efforts. The international community continues to push for a resolution to the crisis, which has caused widespread suffering and instability in Sudan.
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Woman in critical condition after being set on fire
A shocking and brutal attack has left a woman in critical condition after she was doused with an accelerant, believed to be petrol, and set on fire in Dublin. The incident occurred at approximately 10:10 AM on Tuesday at a residential property in the Oak Downs area of Clondalkin, according to the Irish police, known as gardaí. The woman, who answered a knock at the door, suffered severe burns to her face and body. She was rushed to Tallaght University Hospital, where she remains in critical condition. A man was also injured during the assault and was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency services, including the fire brigade and paramedics, responded swiftly to the scene, extinguishing the fire and providing immediate medical care. The area has been cordoned off for a forensic investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist in the ongoing inquiry.
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China Coast Guard patrols waters around Huangyan Island
The China Coast Guard (CCG) has intensified its presence in the waters surrounding Huangyan Island, reaffirming China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. On November 14, 2025, aerial drone footage captured CCG vessels conducting law enforcement patrols in the area, underscoring Beijing’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime sovereignty. Huangyan Island, a strategic outpost in the region, has been a focal point of geopolitical tensions, with neighboring countries also laying claim to parts of the South China Sea. The patrols come amid heightened regional scrutiny and international debates over maritime rights and freedom of navigation. China’s actions highlight its assertive stance in maintaining control over disputed territories, while also ensuring adherence to domestic and international maritime laws. The CCG’s operations are part of a broader strategy to bolster national security and assert China’s influence in the region.
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International conference explores new paradigms for English teaching
The ‘2025 International Academic Conference on English Teaching and Research in Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education’ took place from November 21 to 23 at Beijing University of Technology (BJUT). Co-organized by BJUT and University College Dublin (UCD), and hosted by the Beijing-Dublin International College (BDIC), the event brought together nearly 280 experts and scholars from 13 countries, representing 106 universities and educational institutions. The conference aimed to explore innovative approaches to English teaching within the framework of Sino-Foreign cooperative education, fostering the development of international talent for the modern era. Key speakers included Wei Xubin, a member of the Beijing Municipal Education Working Committee and Deputy Director-General of the Beijing Municipal Education Commission; An Yan, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Education Association for International Exchange; Zhang Hui, Deputy Secretary of the BJUT Party Committee; Professor Paul Fanning, Dean of the UCD International College in China and Provost of the Beijing-Dublin International College; and Yang Jie, Head of Education in Ireland (China). The opening ceremony was moderated by the head of the University’s Academic Affairs Office, setting the stage for a series of discussions on advancing English language education in a globalized context.
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Pakistan and India are drawn in same group of T20 World Cup
The International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the groups and schedule for the upcoming T20 World Cup, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between archrivals India and Pakistan. The tournament, scheduled from February 7 to March 8, will feature 20 nations divided into four groups of five teams each. Defending champions India, led by newly appointed tournament ambassador Rohit Sharma, will face Pakistan in Colombo on February 15 as part of Group A. The group also includes the United States, Namibia, and the Netherlands. India’s campaign begins in Mumbai on February 7 against the United States, followed by matches against Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. Pakistan, which will play all its matches in Colombo, opens its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by games against the United States, India, and Namibia. The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, one of three venues in Sri Lanka, will host the marquee India-Pakistan clash. Italy, making its debut in a major cricketing event, is placed in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Group B features co-host Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman, while Group D includes New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage, with semifinals potentially hosted in Mumbai, Colombo, or Kolkata. Ahmedabad is slated to host the final, but if Pakistan qualifies, Colombo will serve as the venue. India’s captain Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20 cricket after leading India to victory in the 2024 edition, expressed his hopes for a memorable tournament, emphasizing India’s hospitality and the players’ experience.
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Watch: Homes damaged as tornado, severe storms rip through Houston
A powerful tornado and severe storms tore through Houston on Monday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Numerous homes sustained significant damage, and trees were uprooted across affected neighborhoods. Despite the widespread devastation, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported. Emergency response teams swiftly mobilized to assess the damage and assist residents. The sudden weather event has left many families grappling with the aftermath, as they begin the arduous process of recovery and rebuilding. Meteorologists are investigating the storm’s intensity and path, while local officials urge residents to remain vigilant during the ongoing severe weather season.
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Ethiopia volcano eruption: UAE expert shares images of effect across Middle East
The eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia, dormant for nearly 12,000 years, has released significant amounts of sulfur dioxide gas into the atmosphere, impacting regions across the Middle East. Shawkat Odeh, an expert from the International Astronomical Centre, shared satellite images showing the gas’s dispersion over Yemen and Oman on November 23 and 24. This phenomenon is not unprecedented; Odeh recalled a previous volcanic event that altered the sky’s color, blending blue and red hues to create a striking purple shimmer during sunset. The recent eruption has drawn attention to the far-reaching effects of volcanic activity, even in regions distant from the source. The UAE-based expert’s findings highlight the interconnectedness of global environmental events and their impact on neighboring countries.
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Moscow City Tourism Committee invites travellers to explore the ‘Moscow Winter Fairytale’
The Moscow City Tourism Committee has launched its ambitious seasonal initiative “Winter in Moscow,” positioning the Russian capital as a premier cold-weather destination for international travelers. This comprehensive program features over 800 events across 400 distinct venues throughout the city, creating an immersive seasonal experience that blends cultural traditions with contemporary entertainment.
Moscow’s transformation into a winter wonderland includes spectacular illuminations, Christmas markets, and the flagship “Journey to Christmas” festival featuring theatrical performances, open-air fairs, and interactive workshops where visitors can craft traditional gifts and sample authentic Russian cuisine. From the historic Red Square to the expansive Gorky Park, the city becomes a tapestry of cultural celebration and seasonal cheer.
Recreational opportunities abound with Europe’s largest ice rink at VDNH, set against architectural pavilions representing former Soviet republics. Adventure seekers can experience husky sled rides in Sokolniki Park just minutes from the city center, while families enjoy snowball games, sledding, and snowman building. Traditional Russian banyas (saunas) offer warming relaxation amidst the winter chill.
Cultural programming highlights include performances of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” ballet at the legendary Bolshoi Theatre, Olympic-caliber ice shows, and the Moscow Estates festival where historic mansions host seasonal cultural activities. According to Natalya Molochkova, head of International Cooperation at the Moscow City Tourism Committee, “Winter in Moscow combines leisure, family activities, and cultural experiences throughout the city.”
The city enhances the visitor experience with modern accommodations, halal-friendly dining options, Arabic-speaking staff, and average winter temperatures of -5°C creating manageable exploring conditions. This initiative comes as Moscow welcomes increasing winter tourism, with over 126,000 Middle Eastern visitors recorded in the first half of 2025 alone.
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Inconvenient Indian author discovers he has no indigenous roots
Thomas King, a celebrated Canadian-American author whose literary career has been deeply intertwined with his presumed Indigenous heritage, has recently discovered that he has no Cherokee ancestry. This revelation came to light in an opinion piece published in the Globe and Mail on Monday, following a mid-November meeting with the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds (Taaf), a U.S.-based organization dedicated to exposing individuals who falsely claim Native American lineage. The 82-year-old author, known for his award-winning works such as *The Inconvenient Indian* and *Indians on Vacation*, expressed profound personal turmoil, stating, ‘I feel as though I’ve been ripped in half.’ King, who grew up believing his paternal grandfather was part Cherokee, acknowledged that he never intended to mislead anyone, operating under the sincere belief in his mixed-blood heritage. Despite rumors about his ancestry persisting over the years, he had largely ignored them until this year, when he sought to uncover their origins. A genealogist with Taaf found no evidence of Cherokee ancestry in King’s family lineage. While Taaf suggested an apology might be in order, King argued that an apology implies wrongdoing, which he does not believe applies in this case. Born in California and a resident of Canada since 1980, King has built a distinguished career as an Indigenous studies professor at the University of Lethbridge. He has announced plans to return the National Aboriginal Achievement Award he received in 2003, emphasizing that his other accolades are based on his writing, not his ethnicity.