The Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) is gearing up for its highly anticipated Season 3, with momentum building ahead of the ‘Players Auction’ scheduled for December 5, 2025. This unique amateur golf tournament, branded as a first-of-its-kind concept in the UAE, continues to captivate the region’s golfing community with its blend of sport and sophistication. Season 3 promises to be bigger and better, featuring 160 players—up from 140 in the previous season—who will form 10 teams of 16 players each. The tournament will unfold across four iconic UAE golf courses, including Saadiyat Island Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates – Earth Course, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, and Emirates Golf Club – Faldo Course. UGC Commissioner Kunal Seth expressed excitement about the growing interest, noting the perfect mix of returning players and fresh talent. The Players Auction will see team principals and mentors bidding to secure players for their squads, with eight players acquired via auction and eight retained from last season. Registration closes on December 1, 2025, with an entry fee of AED 450. Eligibility criteria include a valid EGF handicap, UAE residency for at least six months, and availability for at least one tournament day. The tournament will celebrate top teams, outstanding individuals, daily brilliance awards, and the best lady golfer, reaffirming its status as one of the UAE’s most prestigious amateur golf events.
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Gaza’s civil defence says four killed by Israeli fire on October 20
Four individuals were killed by Israeli forces in Gaza City on October 20, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency. The incident occurred as the victims were returning to inspect their homes in the Al-Shaaf area, east of the Al-Tuffah neighborhood. Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for the rescue service, confirmed the deaths, attributing them to Israeli gunfire. The rescue service operates under the authority of Hamas. Israel’s military stated that it had targeted militants who crossed the so-called ‘Yellow Line’ and approached troops in the Shujaiya neighborhood, adjacent to Al-Tuffah. The Yellow Line marks the boundary behind which Israeli troops remain stationed under the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. This incident is one of several since a fragile US-brokered ceasefire began on October 10, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting a total of 80 fatalities. On Sunday, the Israeli military struck dozens of Hamas positions across Gaza following the deaths of two soldiers in combat, accusing Hamas of violating the truce. Hamas denied any involvement in the attack, with one official accusing Israel of fabricating reasons to resume hostilities. Since the ceasefire began, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza, often finding their homes reduced to rubble.
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Dubai’s Dominic Foos clinches SJM Macao Open in thrilling sudden-death playoff
German golfer Dominic Foos emerged victorious in a nail-biting sudden-death playoff at the SJM Macao Open, securing the $1 million title on the Asian Tour. Foos, who has spent much of his career in Dubai, defeated Chinese-Taipei’s Wang Wei-hsuan on the second playoff hole with a clutch 10-foot birdie putt. This marked the sixth playoff in the tournament’s history and showcased Foos’ resilience after a challenging period in his career. Foos finished with a 72-hole total of 263, 17 under par, earning a $180,000 prize. The win propels him to 15th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, securing his Tour card for the next two years. Foos expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and mentor Dr. Bernd Kramski for their unwavering support during tough times. The victory comes as a significant milestone for Foos, who had struggled to maintain his position on the Tour. Attention now shifts to the inaugural International Series Philippines, featuring a star-studded field including Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, and Louis Oosthuizen.
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Madagascar president names civilian PM after takeover
Madagascar’s newly inaugurated president, Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has appointed Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the country’s civilian prime minister, signaling a shift toward a civilian-led government following a military takeover last week. The move comes after weeks of escalating protests against former President Andry Rajoelina, who was impeached for desertion of duty and subsequently fled the country. Randrianirina, who assumed office on Friday, emphasized his commitment to constitutional adherence and collaboration with all sectors of the nation. Rajaonarivelo, a prominent figure in the private sector and former chairman of the Malagasy bank BNI, was chosen for his expertise and international connections, which are expected to bolster Madagascar’s global partnerships. Randrianirina also pledged sweeping reforms and new elections in the poverty-stricken nation, where chronic power outages had fueled public discontent. The military’s intervention, led by Randrianirina’s CAPSAT unit, marked a turning point in the uprising, as it condemned the violence against protesters by Rajoelina’s security forces. Rajoelina’s supporters have criticized the transition, despite its endorsement by the constitutional court. Reports indicate that the ousted leader was evacuated to Dubai via a French military plane.
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More than 11,000 sign letter to judge over sentencing of NYC student protestor
A petition signed by more than 11,000 individuals has been submitted to US District Judge Richard M. Berman, urging leniency for Tarek Bazrouk, a 20-year-old Palestinian-American student from the City University of New York. Bazrouk, who pleaded guilty to federal hate crime charges, is scheduled for sentencing next week. The petition requests that Bazrouk be allowed to complete his sentence under supervised release rather than serving additional jail time. Supporters argue that a lengthy prison sentence would cause further trauma to Bazrouk, who has already spent nearly six months in the Metropolitan Detention Center, known for its harsh conditions. The letter highlights Bazrouk’s personal struggles and emphasizes the potential for restorative justice through his personal growth and community involvement. Bazrouk faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. His supporters believe that with community support, he can complete his bachelor’s degree and adhere to probation guidelines. Bazrouk was arrested by the FBI in May on charges of physically assaulting pro-Israel Jewish protestors on three separate occasions between 2024 and 2025. The US attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York has reiterated its commitment to pursuing allegations of antisemitic violence under Attorney General Pam Bondi’s leadership.
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Friendly Albanese-Trump meeting masks Australia’s creeping doubts about US
In a significant diplomatic encounter at the White House on Monday, US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed their nations’ longstanding alliance. Trump emphasized the historical camaraderie, stating, ‘We’ve been long-term, longtime allies and I would say there’s never been anybody better.’ This meeting marked their first official dialogue, with both leaders expressing mutual respect and commitment to bolstering their strategic partnership. However, beneath the surface of this camaraderie lies a complex web of challenges. Australia, traditionally a staunch ally of the US, is beginning to scrutinize the reliability of this relationship under the Trump administration. The imposition of tariffs on Australian goods, including a 10% import tax on most products and a 50% levy on aluminium and steel, has been perceived as a breach of a decades-long free trade agreement. Albanese remarked, ‘This is not the act of a friend,’ highlighting the strain these measures have placed on bilateral ties. Additionally, the review of the Aukus defence pact, which aims to provide Australia with advanced nuclear submarine technology in exchange for support in countering China in the Asia-Pacific, has caused unease in Canberra. Despite these challenges, the meeting concluded on a positive note, with Trump praising Albanese and securing a deal for US investment in Australia’s critical minerals industry. This agreement is expected to help Australia reduce its dependence on China’s near monopoly in this sector. Furthermore, the Aukus pact received a renewed commitment, effectively ending the prolonged review process. While the tariffs remain a contentious issue, they are at the lowest rate compared to other countries, and certain Australian sectors, such as beef, have benefited from the global market upheaval. The meeting also addressed regional security concerns, particularly in light of recent tensions between Chinese and Australian military jets. Beijing’s massive military build-up has heightened anxieties in Canberra, reinforcing the perception that Australia cannot defend itself independently. Consequently, there is a growing inclination among Australian political and security experts to seek closer ties with the US, despite the unpredictability of the Trump administration. As Jared Mondschein of the United States Studies Centre noted, ‘A lot of allies and partners throughout the region are grabbing for the uncertainty of a term-limited Trump administration over the certainty of a Xi Jinping-led China.’ Thus, while the dynamics of the US-Australia relationship are evolving, the fundamental alliance remains intact, driven by shared strategic interests and regional security concerns.
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UAE Ministry blocks 20 non-compliant educational advertisements in 3 months
The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has taken decisive action against misleading educational advertisements, blocking 20 non-compliant promotions over a three-month period. Between June and early September 2025, the Ministry scrutinized over 2,500 digital advertisements from 118 educational and training institutions. While the majority adhered to regulatory standards, the flagged advertisements were removed to uphold integrity in the sector.
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Japan’s parliament is set to elect Sanae Takaichi as nation’s first female prime minister
Japan’s parliament is preparing to elect ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as the nation’s first female prime minister on Tuesday, marking a historic moment in Japanese politics. This development follows a coalition agreement between her struggling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (JIP), a move that signals a further shift to the right for the governing bloc. Takaichi will succeed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, whose resignation earlier Tuesday ended a three-month political vacuum triggered by the LDP’s devastating election loss in July. The alliance with JIP ensures Takaichi’s election, as the opposition remains fragmented. However, the coalition lacks a majority in both houses of parliament, raising concerns about the stability and longevity of her government. Takaichi emphasized the importance of political stability during Monday’s signing ceremony with JIP leader Hirofumi Yoshimura, stating that it is crucial for advancing economic and diplomatic measures. The coalition agreement reflects Takaichi’s hawkish and nationalistic views, which have drawn criticism from centrist and dovish factions. The LDP’s recent split with its longtime partner, the Buddhist-backed Komeito, has further complicated the political landscape. Once elected, Takaichi, a protégé of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is expected to pursue policies focused on strengthening Japan’s military and economy, as well as revising the country’s pacifist constitution. However, her government’s weak parliamentary position and her controversial stances on issues like gender equality, same-sex marriage, and Japan’s wartime history could hinder her ability to implement significant reforms. Takaichi’s premiership comes at a critical juncture, with pressing challenges such as rising prices and public frustration demanding immediate attention.
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Veteran Indian actor, comedian Asrani passes away at 84
The Indian entertainment industry mourns the loss of veteran actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani, who passed away at the age of 84 on Monday, October 20, 2025. According to reports from NDTV, Asrani had been hospitalized for five days battling a prolonged illness before his demise. His manager, Babu Bhai Theeba, confirmed the news to ANI, stating that the actor breathed his last at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu. His cremation was held the same evening at the Santacruz crematorium. Asrani, celebrated for his iconic role as the jailer in the legendary film *Sholay*, leaves behind a rich legacy of memorable performances that have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His contributions to the industry spanned decades, earning him a place in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
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US soliciting new bids for Moon mission amid SpaceX delays: NASA chief
NASA is intensifying its efforts to return humans to the Moon by soliciting new bids for its Artemis program, as SpaceX, Elon Musk’s aerospace company, faces delays. NASA Administrator Sean Duffy announced the move on Monday, emphasizing the urgency to compete against China’s advancing lunar ambitions. ‘We’re going to have a space race among American companies to see who can get us back to the Moon first,’ Duffy stated during an interview on Fox News. He revealed plans to open the contract to other competitors, including Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, to accelerate progress. SpaceX currently holds the contract for the fifth Artemis mission, but delays have prompted NASA to seek alternatives. Duffy, who also serves as the US Transportation Secretary, stressed the importance of innovation and competition in maintaining US dominance in space exploration. The Artemis program, initiated during President Donald Trump’s first term, aims to return astronauts to the Moon and eventually voyage to Mars. Despite setbacks, NASA remains committed to its timeline, with the Artemis 2 mission, featuring a crew of three US astronauts and one Canadian, scheduled for April 2026. This mission will mark the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years. NASA officials, including Lakiesha Hawkins, have reaffirmed their dedication to meeting these ambitious goals, even as they navigate challenges and rising global competition.