Subramanyam ‘Subu’ Vedam, who spent 43 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, was exonerated earlier this month after new evidence emerged. However, his newfound freedom was short-lived as he was immediately detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which seeks to deport him to India—a country he left as an infant. Vedam’s legal team is now battling the deportation order, while his family fights to secure his permanent release. His sister, Saraswathi Vedam, described the situation as ‘very different,’ noting that her brother has transitioned from a familiar prison environment to a crowded detention facility where his history of good behavior is unrecognized. Vedam, who maintained his innocence throughout his incarceration, was convicted in the 1980s for the murder of his former roommate, Tom Kinser, and a subsequent drug offense. Despite his exoneration for the murder, his drug conviction remains, providing ICE with grounds for deportation. Vedam’s family emphasizes his deep ties to the U.S., where he has lived since infancy, and his lack of connections to India. His lawyer, Ava Benach, argued that deporting him would compound the injustice he has already endured. The family hopes his decades of good behavior, educational achievements, and community service will influence the immigration court’s decision.
作者： admin
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How a dying patient’s wish to see female doctor led UAE woman to become cancer specialist
Dr. Aydah Alawadhi, a trailblazing Emirati oncologist, has transformed her career into a humanitarian mission, inspired by a poignant encounter with a young patient. Now the head of the Oncology and Hematology Department at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Alawadhi’s journey began with a moment that reshaped her life. During her training in the emergency department, she met a young woman who had delayed seeking medical care due to her discomfort with male doctors. The patient’s plea, ‘If only you were an oncologist,’ resonated deeply with Dr. Alawadhi, who vowed to dedicate her life to cancer care. This encounter not only defined her career but also instilled in her a profound belief that every cancer patient deserves compassion, support, and hope. Dr. Alawadhi’s achievements extend beyond her clinical role. She heads the Scientific Committee and the Breast Cancer Working Group at the Emirates Oncology Society and serves on the Gulf Oncology Society Committee. Despite the UAE’s advancements in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, she emphasizes the ongoing need for awareness about early detection, as many women still hesitate to seek medical help. Dr. Alawadhi credits her family for their unwavering support, particularly her husband, who stood by her through the emotional and professional challenges of her career. Balancing her demanding profession with motherhood, she underscores the importance of work-life balance, finding solace in travel, nature, and time with loved ones. Dr. Alawadhi’s story is a testament to resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of a single moment.
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Dubai’s Global Village: Dh120 premium parking, automatic payment via Salik
Dubai’s Global Village, one of the city’s most renowned tourist destinations, has unveiled a cutting-edge smart parking system in collaboration with Salik x Parkonic. This innovative solution, introduced for the park’s 30th season, offers visitors a seamless parking experience in two designated zones: Premium and P6. While general parking remains free across six zones, the Premium parking option is priced at Dh120, and P6 costs Dh75. Both zones feature automatic payment integration through the Salik eWallet, eliminating the need for physical tickets. Additionally, visitors can check real-time parking availability via the Global Village mobile app, which also provides directions to the nearest available parking spots. For those seeking convenience, Premium and VIP parking services grant access to dedicated slots near the main entrances—The Cultural Gate and the Gate of the World. This initiative aims to enhance the overall visitor experience at the park, which has already drawn thousands of guests since its season opening on October 15. On weekends, five additional parking zones are activated to accommodate higher demand. Global Village continues to solidify its reputation as a must-visit attraction in Dubai, blending cultural experiences with modern amenities.
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Fire breaks out at Dhaka airport in Bangladesh; all flights suspended
A significant fire erupted at the cargo terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, leading to the suspension of all flights. The incident, reported by Bangladeshi media, has caused widespread disruption to air travel operations. Emergency services were swiftly deployed to contain the blaze, though the extent of the damage and the cause of the fire remain under investigation. Authorities have yet to confirm any casualties or injuries resulting from the incident. The airport, a critical hub for both domestic and international travel, serves as a vital gateway for Bangladesh’s economy and connectivity. The suspension of flights is expected to have a ripple effect on travel schedules, cargo deliveries, and passenger plans. This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and emergency preparedness in major transportation hubs. Further updates are anticipated as officials work to restore normal operations and assess the impact of the fire.
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US will send survivors of strike on suspected drug vessel back to Ecuador and Colombia, Trump says
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the two survivors of a U.S. military strike on a suspected drug-carrying submarine in the Caribbean will be repatriated to their home countries, Ecuador and Colombia. The operation, which took place on Thursday, marked at least the sixth such strike since early September. Trump emphasized the significance of the mission in a social media post, stating, ‘It was my great honor to destroy a very large DRUG-CARRYING SUBMARINE that was navigating towards the United States on a well-known narcotrafficking transit route.’ He added that U.S. intelligence confirmed the vessel was laden with Fentanyl and other illegal narcotics. The strike resulted in the deaths of two individuals onboard, one more than previously reported, while the survivors are being sent back to their respective countries for detention and prosecution. This move sidesteps potential legal complications regarding the survivors’ status within the U.S. justice system. With this latest action, U.S. military operations in the region have now claimed at least 29 lives. Trump has justified these strikes by framing the U.S. as being in an ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels, invoking the same legal authority used by the George W. Bush administration in its post-9/11 war on terrorism. This approach treats suspected traffickers as enemy combatants in a conventional war.
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UAE: Premature baby survives life-threatening condition seen in 0.1% cases worldwide
In a remarkable medical triumph, a premature baby born at just 27 weeks and weighing less than a kilogram has survived an extremely rare and life-threatening condition known as Amyand’s hernia. The infant, Sid Elian Mattheus Casino, underwent a complex surgery at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, defying the odds to recover from a condition that occurs in only 0.1% of cases worldwide. Amyand’s hernia involves a perforated appendix trapped in the inguinal canal and extending into the scrotum, a condition almost unheard of in premature infants. For first-time parents Stewart John and Isabel Mari Casiño, Sid’s early arrival was both a joyous and terrifying experience. Isabel first met her baby 12 hours after delivery in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), surrounded by machines and wires. “My heart was breaking and overflowing at the same time,” she recalled. “I wished I could just hold him and protect him.” Three weeks later, when Sid developed swelling in his belly and scrotum, doctors diagnosed the hernia. Despite initial fears, Isabel placed her trust in Professor Dr. Amulya Saxena, a consultant pediatric surgeon at Burjeel Hospital, who assured her that Sid would survive. The emergency surgery, performed by Dr. Saxena and his team, involved removing the perforated appendix and preserving the tiny testicle while ensuring no contamination or infection. Sid’s recovery in the NICU was slow but steady, and after ten weeks of intensive care, the family finally took him home. At discharge, he weighed 1.8 kilograms, and a month later, his weight nearly doubled to 3.3 kilograms. “Every day is a win for us,” said Isabel. “My baby has shown me what true strength is.” Dr. Saxena attributed Sid’s recovery to prompt diagnosis, meticulous surgical work, and coordinated care. “Seeing him healthy and thriving today is the most rewarding outcome for our entire team,” he said.
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Ivory Coast’s leader urges youth to vote in key election, touting himself as best choice
In a fervent campaign rally held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara appealed to the nation’s youth to actively participate in the forthcoming presidential election scheduled for October 25. Addressing a large crowd, the 83-year-old leader emphasized his dedication to improving the lives of young Ivorians, positioning himself as the most committed candidate to their welfare. “I have always strived to provide the best opportunities for our youth, enabling them to start businesses, work, learn, and achieve independence,” Ouattara declared. The election, which sees Ouattara contesting against four other candidates, is unfolding against a backdrop of heightened political tensions. Key opposition figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, have been disqualified from running, a move that has sparked widespread protests. Authorities have attempted to quell these demonstrations, resulting in hundreds of arrests and several jail sentences. Despite the controversy, analysts predict a strong likelihood of Ouattara securing a fourth term, especially after the 2016 constitutional amendment that removed presidential term limits. While Ouattara pledges to tackle the country’s security and economic challenges, opposition leaders argue that his administration has fallen short of expectations and accuse the government of manipulating the electoral process to ensure his victory. Florine-Auxane Loukou Bledja, a youth leader within the ruling party, echoed the sentiment of many supporters, stating, “He has done a lot for young people, and we want him to continue.”
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UAE: Family given Dh250,000 after worker’s death due to employer negligence
In a landmark ruling, the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil, and Administrative Appeals Court has increased the compensation awarded to the family of a construction worker who died due to employer negligence. The court raised the compensation from Dh100,000 to Dh250,000, emphasizing the employer’s failure to implement proper safety measures. The worker tragically fell from scaffolding and died instantly, a direct result of the company’s neglect of its duty to protect employees. The court also ordered the defendants to cover all legal and court-related fees. The heirs had initially sought Dh10 million in compensation, arguing that the employer’s negligence directly caused the worker’s death and violated occupational safety laws. The court highlighted that while Islamic blood money (diya) compensates part of the loss, it does not cover the full financial, emotional, and moral damages suffered by the family. This ruling underscores the legal obligation of employers to maintain strict safety protocols, particularly in high-risk environments like construction sites. It serves as a stern warning to companies across the UAE to prioritize worker safety or face severe legal and financial consequences. The case also affirms the right of families to pursue full compensation for preventable workplace deaths, holding employers accountable for negligence that costs lives. The decision stresses the critical importance of adhering to occupational safety standards and ensuring the well-being of workers, emphasizing that tragedies caused by avoidable negligence cannot be fully rectified by diya alone.
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Six days to go: Charming Beijing, Shared with the World
With just six days remaining until a significant global event, Beijing is poised to showcase its unique charm to the world. The city, known for its rich history and modern advancements, is preparing to welcome international visitors and highlight its cultural and economic contributions on a global stage. This event underscores Beijing’s role as a hub of international cooperation and shared progress. As the countdown continues, the world eagerly anticipates the opportunity to experience Beijing’s vibrant culture, innovative spirit, and commitment to fostering global unity. The event promises to strengthen international ties and promote mutual understanding, reinforcing Beijing’s position as a key player in global affairs.
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Abu Dhabi’s IHC acquires majority stake in Pakistan’s First Women Bank Limited
In a historic move, Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company (IHC) has acquired a majority stake in Pakistan’s state-owned First Women Bank Limited (FWBL), marking the first privatisation of a bank in Pakistan under a Government-to-Government (G2G) framework. The transaction, conducted under Pakistan’s Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions Act of 2022, highlights the deepening economic ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan. The announcement was made in the presence of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of 2PointZero, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Established in 1989, FWBL operates 42 branches nationwide, offering retail, SME, and corporate banking services. IHC’s investment underscores its commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s financial sector and supporting its reform agenda. Post-acquisition, IHC plans to modernise FWBL by integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to enhance operational efficiency and expand its footprint across Pakistan. The transformation strategy also includes rebranding the bank to reflect its broader mandate of financial inclusion and societal service. Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, expressed confidence in Pakistan’s financial potential and the shared vision for sustainable economic growth. This acquisition follows IHC’s earlier joint venture with the Government of Balochistan, further solidifying UAE-Pakistan economic cooperation.