Max Verstappen of Red Bull delivered a masterclass performance at the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, securing a flawless victory from pole position. The Dutchman led every lap, further closing the gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri. Verstappen’s win, coupled with his triumph in Saturday’s sprint race, marked a perfect weekend for the four-time world champion, who has now reduced Piastri’s lead to 40 points after trailing by 104 in August. McLaren’s Piastri finished fifth, while his teammate Lando Norris claimed second place after overtaking Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc late in the race. Norris now trails Piastri by 14 points in the drivers’ standings, with five races and two sprints remaining. Verstappen expressed optimism about his title chances, stating, ‘We just need to try and deliver these weekends until the end.’ Piastri, meanwhile, remains confident in his ability to become Australia’s first F1 champion since Alan Jones in 1980. The race featured intense battles, including Norris’s struggle to pass Leclerc, who showcased exceptional defensive driving. Lewis Hamilton finished fourth, just ahead of Piastri, while George Russell secured sixth for Mercedes. The event also saw incidents involving rookies Kimi Antonelli and Carlos Sainz, with the latter receiving a grid penalty for the next race. Despite heat concerns, the race proceeded smoothly, with Verstappen’s dominance leaving little room for rivals to challenge.
作者： admin
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Cash-strapped Gazans left disappointed as first banks reopen
In the war-torn Gaza Strip, the reopening of two bank branches on Sunday brought a glimmer of hope to cash-strapped residents, only to leave them disillusioned once again. Despite the long-awaited resumption of banking services, the branches lacked the necessary liquidity to meet the demands of eager customers. Ahmad Abu Foul, a 38-year-old resident of Khan Yunis, expressed his frustration after failing to withdraw his salary, a situation emblematic of the broader financial crisis gripping the region. The Bank of Palestine’s reopening marked the first such event since March, when a truce collapsed, but the absence of usable currency has rendered the move largely symbolic. Over the past two years, since Hamas’s cross-border attack on Israel and the subsequent military response, Gaza’s financial system has been in disarray. Israeli shekels, the primary currency, have become trapped in a closed loop of small-scale commerce, with many notes deteriorating to the point of being unusable. UN experts have criticized Israel’s ‘financial stranglehold’ on Gaza, citing the destruction of banks and ATMs, the blockade on new currency inflows, and the disruption of digital payments due to frequent power and communication outages. While a recent ceasefire brokered under U.S. pressure has provided a temporary reprieve, the lack of liquidity continues to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. Residents like Taysir Abu Shabak and Mahmud Nassar lament the exorbitant fees charged by merchants for cash withdrawals, further draining their already meager resources. Nada Abu Amra, a 33-year-old from Deir al-Balah, voiced the collective exhaustion of Gazans, who simply seek access to enough funds to purchase basic necessities. The discovery of large sums of cash in tunnels beneath Gaza, allegedly linked to Iran’s support for Hamas, has done little to alleviate the plight of ordinary citizens. As the region grapples with rampant inflation and a crumbling financial infrastructure, the reopening of banks without liquidity underscores the enduring challenges faced by Gaza’s population.
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Five winners from UAE, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka win gold bar in Big Ticket
In a thrilling turn of events, five individuals from the UAE, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have each won a 250-gram 24-karat gold bar in the Big Ticket October promotion. The winners, hailing from diverse backgrounds, shared their joy and plans for their newfound fortune. Among them is A.A., a 39-year-old UAE citizen and government employee from Abu Dhabi, who has been participating in the draws since 2023. Despite missing the winning call, he expressed immense gratitude and plans to use his prize for a trip to the Maldives. Mohamed Nalim, a 63-year-old Sri Lankan banker residing in Saudi Arabia, was equally ecstatic. He credited his win to persistence and plans to gift the gold bar to his wife for crafting jewelry. Mansur Ahmmad, a 24-year-old Bangladeshi expat in Dubai, celebrated his first-ever win with a group of friends, who will share the prize equally. Ajith Samuel, a 44-year-old mechanical engineer from Kerala, and Vibin Vasudevan, a 37-year-old IT professional, also shared their excitement. Both have been participating with groups of friends and plan to continue their winning streak. The Big Ticket October promotion also features a Dh25 million grand prize, set to be announced on November 3, along with other exciting rewards like luxury cars.
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US and Australia sign rare earths deal to counter China’s dominance
In a significant move to reduce reliance on China’s control over the rare earths market, the United States and Australia have inked a landmark agreement aimed at bolstering the supply of critical minerals. The deal, announced during a high-level meeting, underscores the Trump administration’s strategic efforts to diversify global supply chains and mitigate vulnerabilities in the defense and technology sectors.
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Paris Louvre heist lays bare museum security complaints
A daring heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris has reignited concerns over the security of France’s cultural treasures. Thieves armed with power tools broke into the museum, making off with priceless royal jewels, including crowns and necklaces adorned with sapphires and emeralds. The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the adequacy of security measures at one of the world’s most visited museums, which spans 73,000 square meters and houses approximately 35,000 works of art. The robbery occurred just months after museum employees and unions had warned of significant security flaws, including staff reductions that have left the institution vulnerable. Despite a recent security audit and recommendations for improvements, the implementation of these measures appears to have been insufficient. The French government has now pledged to accelerate a $930 million renovation project, which includes a comprehensive security overhaul. However, critics argue that the response has been reactive rather than proactive, leaving France’s cultural heritage at risk. The Louvre is not alone in facing such threats; other French museums have also been targeted, highlighting a growing trend of museum thefts across the country. Authorities are now scrambling to recover the stolen artifacts and prevent future breaches.
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Cameroon’s bishops call for calm after opposition declares election victory
Cameroon is on edge as opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has boldly declared himself the winner of the 12 October presidential election, challenging the long-standing rule of 92-year-old President Paul Biya. Bakary, a former government spokesman, claims to have defeated Biya, who is seeking to extend his 43-year tenure by another seven years. His self-proclaimed victory has been met with sharp criticism from the government and Biya’s ruling party, with officials labeling it as illegal. The Constitutional Council, responsible for announcing the final results, has until 27 October to declare the official winner. Bakary’s defiance has sparked fears of potential violence in the central African nation, as tensions rise over the legitimacy of the election outcome. The influential Catholic Church in Cameroon has called for calm, urging authorities to ensure the results reflect the true will of the electorate. In a statement, the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC) emphasized the importance of peace and stability, echoing widespread concerns about potential electoral manipulation. The Church, regarded as a moral authority in the country, has been vocal in its criticism of Biya’s governance. Earlier this year, Bishop Yaouda Hourgo of Yagoua Diocese expressed strong opposition to Biya’s re-election, stating that even the ‘devil’ would be preferable to another term under the incumbent president. As protests over alleged fraud continue, the Constitutional Council has announced it will begin hearing complaints, with its verdict set to determine the nation’s next leader. Amid the uncertainty, the Catholic Bishops have reminded the judges of their duty to uphold the truth, quoting, ‘The truth shall set you free.’ The outcome of this election will not only shape Cameroon’s future but also test the resilience of its democratic institutions.
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Abu Dhabi court rules in favour of retiree in loan dispute with bank
In a significant legal victory for borrowers, an Abu Dhabi appeals court has ruled in favor of a retired Emirati in a loan dispute with his bank, setting a precedent for fair treatment of retirees in financial agreements. The court found that the bank had unlawfully deducted more than 30% of the retiree’s pension to recover outstanding loan payments, violating federal regulations. The ruling overturned a lower court’s decision favoring the bank and reinforced the Central Bank’s 30% cap on deductions from pensions or salaries for loan repayments. The case involved a lease-to-own home-financing agreement for a villa in Abu Dhabi’s Al Rahba area. The retiree had maintained regular payments until his employment ended, after which the bank continued deducting the same amount from his pension. The appeals court emphasized that banks must adjust repayment schedules when borrowers face significant income reductions, such as retirement. Legal experts hailed the judgment as a judicial precedent that strengthens borrowers’ rights across similar cases. Abu Dhabi lawyer Ali Al Abbadi, who represented the retiree, stated that the ruling confirms Central Bank circulars cannot override federal law and that banks are legally bound to comply with the 30% cap. The verdict, issued last week, is subject to further appeal by the bank within 30 days. This landmark decision underscores banks’ responsibility to ensure repayment plans remain fair and affordable, particularly for retirees and those experiencing income loss.
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HR expert launches groundbreaking book to reshape human capital leadership in the Middle East
In a significant development for the field of human resources, Dr Mostafa Ahmed Ghanima, a distinguished HR executive and thought leader, is set to launch his groundbreaking book, *Transforming the Future of HR in the Middle East: Mastering Global HR Practices with Regional Culture and Values*, this December. The book, aimed at HR professionals, organizational leaders, and policymakers, offers a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of human capital management in the Middle East. It uniquely bridges global HR innovations with the cultural and traditional values of the region. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the UK, Dr Ghanima combines practical frameworks, real-world case studies, and contextual insights to address the challenges of economic diversification, digital transformation, and shifting workforce dynamics. The book emphasizes the importance of maintaining cultural identity while adopting global best practices, making it a timely resource for regional leaders. Available in hardcover, e-book, and audiobook formats, the publication will be accessible on major platforms such as Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play. Its release coincides with the HR Transformation and Leadership Forums across the Middle East, further amplifying its impact. Dr Ghanima’s work is not merely a guide but a call to action for HR leaders to innovate while preserving tradition, positioning the Middle East as a competitive player in the global HR arena.
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Gansu’s first captive-born panda cub turns one month old
The Lanzhou Wildlife Zoo announced on Sunday that the first giant panda cub born through natural mating in Gansu province has reached its one-month milestone, signifying a significant achievement in regional panda conservation efforts. The male cub, born to pandas Manlan and Hongxi, weighed a mere 100 grams at birth but has since grown to nearly 1.3 kilograms. The cub’s iconic black-and-white fur is beginning to emerge, and it has started to vocalize loudly and move its limbs energetically, though its eyes remain closed. This birth marks a breakthrough for the zoo’s breeding program, which has been striving to enhance the survival and reproduction of giant pandas in captivity. The event underscores the importance of natural mating in panda conservation, as it often yields healthier and more resilient offspring compared to artificial insemination. The zoo plans to continue monitoring the cub’s development closely, ensuring it receives the necessary care to thrive.
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Japan set for new coalition and first woman premier
Japan is on the brink of a historic political transformation as Sanae Takaichi, a prominent figure from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), moves closer to becoming the nation’s first female prime minister. This milestone follows the LDP’s decision to form a coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), announced just hours before the lower house vote on Takaichi’s appointment. Despite the coalition still lacking two seats for a majority, Takaichi is expected to secure the premiership in a second-round run-off vote, where she only needs to outpace her competitor. Takaichi, a 64-year-old China hawk and traditionalist, recently won the LDP leadership but faced setbacks after the collapse of the party’s long-standing alliance with Komeito. The latter cited concerns over Takaichi’s hardline stance on China and her visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honors war criminals. The new coalition has already sparked optimism in financial markets, with the Nikkei 225 index surging over three percent to a record high. Analysts attribute this to expectations of Takaichi’s proactive fiscal policies, reminiscent of the ‘Abenomics’ approach championed by her mentor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. However, Takaichi’s administration will face significant challenges, including navigating U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit, addressing Japan’s demographic crisis, and revitalizing its stagnant economy. Additionally, the coalition will need to collaborate with other parties to pass legislation, as it lacks a majority in both parliamentary houses. The JIP has proposed policies such as eliminating the consumption tax on food and reducing the number of lawmakers, signaling a potential shift in Japan’s political landscape.