Rory McIlroy, the world No. 2 golfer and current Masters champion, has expressed his ambition to one day captain the European Ryder Cup team, though he believes this role is still a decade away. Speaking in New Delhi during his first tournament in India, McIlroy reflected on his recent success in helping Europe retain the Ryder Cup by defeating the United States in New York last month. The 36-year-old Northern Irishman, who has participated in the last eight Ryder Cups, emphasized his desire to lead the team in the mid-2030s, after continuing to play at the highest level for several more years. McIlroy praised past captains like Paul McGinley and Luke Donald, under whom he has played, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from their leadership. However, he acknowledged the challenges of the role, particularly in light of the intense atmosphere and occasional hostility from American spectators during the recent Ryder Cup. McIlroy lamented that the focus on the event’s controversies overshadowed Europe’s historic victory as the first team to win an away Ryder Cup since 2012. He urged fans to remember the team’s exceptional performance and the pride he felt in being part of such a successful campaign. Beyond the Ryder Cup, McIlroy is expanding his international presence, with upcoming tournaments in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the Australian Open. He expressed enthusiasm for playing in new locations and connecting with diverse audiences, though he admitted disappointment at missing the chance to attend a cricket match during his visit to India, a sport he passionately follows.
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‘Feared for my life’: UAE expat recounts captivity in Israeli prison after Gaza flotilla seizure
Dr. Zaheera Soomar, a South African activist and Sharjah-based mother of three, has returned to the UAE after a six-day detention by the Israeli army. Soomar was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian maritime mission aimed at breaking Gaza’s blockade by delivering humanitarian aid. The flotilla was intercepted by Israeli naval forces in early October, leading to the arrest of its participants. Soomar recounted her ordeal, describing crowded cells, aggressive handling by guards, and moments where she feared for her life. Despite the trauma, she remains resolute in her commitment to Palestinian justice and freedom. Soomar was deported to South Africa on Monday and arrived in the UAE on Tuesday morning. She expressed concerns about the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered by former US President Donald J. Trump, citing Israel’s continued restrictions on aid to Gaza. Soomar, a business executive and professor, has been advocating for Palestinian rights for over a decade, drawing parallels to her experiences growing up in apartheid South Africa. Her participation in the flotilla underscores her dedication to the cause, despite the personal risks involved.
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Cambodia urges a fair process as US and UK pursue Prince Group’s Chen Zhi in a global scam case
The Cambodian government has expressed its expectation that the United States and the United Kingdom provide substantial evidence in their pursuit of Prince Holding Group and its Chairman, Chen Zhi. This follows coordinated sanctions imposed by both nations, accusing the conglomerate of orchestrating extensive online scams and exploiting forced labor. Touch Sokhak, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Interior Ministry, emphasized that Prince Holding Group has complied with all legal requirements and has been treated equally alongside other major investors in the country. He also clarified that Chen’s Cambodian citizenship was granted lawfully. While Cambodia has pledged cooperation if presented with formal evidence, Sokhak reiterated that the government does not currently accuse the group or its chairman of any wrongdoing. The U.S. Treasury Department and the U.K. Foreign Office announced joint sanctions on Tuesday, alleging that Chen’s network operates as a transnational criminal enterprise, defrauding global victims and exploiting trafficked workers across Southeast Asia. U.S. authorities have seized over $14 billion in bitcoin and charged Chen with wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies. British authorities have frozen Chen’s assets, including luxury properties in London. Experts warn that dismantling such networks requires targeting their online infrastructure to prevent rebranding and continued operations. Chen remains at large and faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted in the U.S. Prince Holding Group has denied involvement in scam operations and has not publicly addressed the latest allegations. Independent research highlights Cambodia’s role as a hub for online scams and money laundering, with over 200 documented scam centers in the country. Cambodia has pledged full cooperation with international partners, provided there is sufficient evidence.
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Gold prices in Dubai: Third record high in three days this week at Dh503 per gram
Gold prices in Dubai have soared to unprecedented levels for the third consecutive day this week, with 24K gold reaching a new all-time high of Dh503.5 per gram on Wednesday. This surpasses the previous record of Dh502.75 set on Tuesday, according to data from the Dubai Jewellery Group. Other variants, including 22K, 21K, and 18K, also achieved record highs, trading at Dh466.25, Dh447.0, and Dh383.25 per gram, respectively. Globally, spot gold was priced at $4,188 per ounce at 9:10 am UAE time. Market analysts attribute this surge to a combination of safe-haven demand, escalating US-China trade tensions, and expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. Frank Walbaum, a market analyst at Naga, noted that gold briefly surpassed $4,190 per ounce on Tuesday before a slight retreat as investors locked in profits. He highlighted that geopolitical risks, including US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and Beijing’s retaliatory measures, have intensified market uncertainty. Additionally, the ongoing US government shutdown has further weighed on economic activity, bolstering gold’s appeal. Walbaum also mentioned that markets are anticipating 25-basis-point rate cuts in October and December, supported by Fed officials’ concerns over labour market risks. While tensions in Eastern Europe remain a factor, progress in the Middle East could potentially temper gold demand. This sustained rally underscores gold’s enduring role as a hedge against global economic and geopolitical instability.
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US strikes on ‘Venezuela drug boats’: What do we know, and are they legal?
The United States has conducted a series of military strikes in the Caribbean Sea, targeting vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking. President Donald Trump announced the first of these strikes in September, claiming that a boat operated by the Tren de Aragua cartel, departing from Venezuela and carrying drugs bound for the US, had been destroyed. Subsequent strikes have been accompanied by grainy footage, though US officials have not provided concrete evidence of drug trafficking or detailed information about the vessels targeted. These actions have sparked regional condemnation and raised significant legal and ethical questions. Colombian President Gustavo Petro disputed one strike, asserting that the targeted boat was Colombian with Colombian citizens onboard, a claim denied by the White House. Legal experts have questioned the legality of the strikes under international maritime law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which the US has not signed but claims to follow. Professor Luke Moffett of Queen’s University Belfast noted that while force can be used to stop a boat, it should generally be non-lethal and must be reasonable and necessary in self-defense. Critics argue that labeling individuals as narco-terrorists does not make them lawful military targets, and the US is not engaged in an armed conflict with Venezuela or the Tren de Aragua cartel. A leaked memo to Congress reportedly stated that the Trump administration considers the US to be in a ‘non-international armed conflict’ with drug cartels. Despite support from some Republicans, including Senator Lindsey Graham, who praised the strikes as a sign of strong leadership, concerns have been raised about compliance with US law, particularly the War Powers Resolution, which requires consultation with Congress before military action. Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro has denied involvement in drug trafficking and condemned the strikes, which come amid reports of increased US naval presence in the region. The USS Lake Erie, USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Fort Lauderdale have been identified in the Caribbean, supporting anti-narcotics operations. Trump has also offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
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Greek riot police scuffle with protesting doctors during hospital tour by PM Mitsotakis
Tensions flared at Athens’ University General Hospital Attikon on Wednesday as riot police clashed with medical staff during a protest over deteriorating public health services. The demonstration coincided with a visit by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who was attending the inauguration of a new oncology department and touring the renovated emergency wing. Armed with shields, batons, and pepper spray, police forcefully dispersed doctors demanding to meet with the prime minister, according to local media reports. The protest highlighted critical issues plaguing Greece’s healthcare system, including severe staff shortages, stagnant wages, and unsafe working conditions. Dr. Giorgos Sideris, head of the Association of Hospital Doctors of Athens and Piraeus, condemned the government’s inaction, stating that healthcare workers are owed 10,000 days of leave and have endured frozen salaries. He also revealed that 130 patients recently slept on stretchers in hospital corridors due to overcrowding, emphasizing the urgent need for 125 additional nursing staff to meet basic safety standards. Mitsotakis acknowledged the challenges during his speech, noting that funding for Attikon had risen from 90 million euros to 150 million euros and that staffing levels had improved, albeit insufficiently. The new oncology ward, funded by a charity organization, is expected to treat over 20,000 patients annually, marking a 41% increase from 2019. Despite these developments, the protest underscored the deep-seated frustrations of healthcare workers and the pressing need for systemic reforms.
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Raila Odinga: The man who shaped Kenyan politics
Raila Odinga, one of Kenya’s most prominent and enduring political figures, passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 80 in India, where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. Known affectionately as ‘Baba’ (father), Odinga was a firebrand politician and a staunch advocate for multi-party democracy, earning both fervent support and fierce opposition throughout his career. His death marks the end of an era for Kenya and leaves a significant void in the country’s political landscape as it approaches the 2027 elections. Odinga, a veteran opposition leader, made five unsuccessful presidential bids, coming closest to the presidency in 2008 when he was appointed prime minister in a coalition government. Despite his political misfortunes, he remained a formidable force, with successive Kenyan presidents seeking his support to govern effectively. In 2022, he made his final bid for the presidency, choosing former Justice Minister Martha Karua as his running mate—a historic move that was widely celebrated. Odinga’s legacy extends beyond Kenya; he was a dedicated pan-Africanist who championed African unity and self-reliance, serving as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development from 2018 to 2023. Born into a famous political family, Odinga followed in the footsteps of his father, Jaramogi Odinga, Kenya’s first vice-president, who fell out with the country’s founding leader, Jomo Kenyatta. Raila Odinga’s life was marked by struggle, including two periods of detention during the rule of Daniel arap Moi, Kenya’s second president. He was also a former political prisoner, holding the record for being Kenya’s longest-serving detainee. Odinga’s commitment to democracy and his role in Kenya’s political history will be remembered, even as questions about the fairness of the electoral system he criticized remain unresolved.
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D’Angelo: A musical pioneer who reshaped soul
The music world mourns the loss of D’Angelo, a visionary artist whose groundbreaking debut album ‘Brown Sugar’ not only redefined R&B but also birthed an entirely new genre: neo-soul. Released in July 1995, the album’s slow tempos, smooth vocals, and fusion of rhythm and blues with hip-hop beats, jazz, and funk created a sound that was both nostalgic and revolutionary. D’Angelo’s influence extended far beyond his own era, inspiring a wave of artists like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Maxwell, who followed in his footsteps during neo-soul’s golden era. Despite his relatively small discography—only three studio albums—D’Angelo’s impact on modern music remains profound. His 2000 album ‘Voodoo,’ hailed as a masterpiece, further cemented his legacy, while his 2014 release ‘Black Messiah’ showcased his evolution as an artist, blending rock, psychedelia, and politically charged lyrics. D’Angelo’s career was marked by both triumph and struggle, including battles with fame, depression, and substance abuse. Yet, his artistry and authenticity continue to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and inspiring generations of musicians to embrace their unique voices.
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Hong Kong lawmakers pass bill to regulate ride-hailing services like Uber
Hong Kong has taken a significant step toward regulating its ride-hailing industry with the passage of a new bill on Wednesday. The legislation mandates that platforms like Uber, along with their vehicles and drivers, must obtain licenses to operate legally. This move comes after years of tension between the city’s taxi industry and online ride-hailing services. The first licensed platforms are expected to launch by late 2026 at the earliest. Under the new rules, Hong Kong’s transport commissioner will evaluate applicants based on their experience, financial capacity, and planned investments in the region. Licensed companies must ensure their services are ‘proper and efficient’ and that all vehicles and drivers on their platforms hold valid permits. Drivers must meet specific criteria, including being at least 21 years old, holding a private car driving license for at least one year, and having no serious traffic convictions within the past five years. Additionally, they must pass a test and complete a pre-service course. The bill represents a pivotal moment in the development of ride-hailing services in Hong Kong, where private vehicles have been prohibited from offering paid services without a permit. Uber Hong Kong welcomed the decision, calling it a ‘significant milestone’ in integrating ride-sharing into the city’s transport system. However, the legislation also imposes strict penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to 1 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately $128,600) and a maximum jail term of one year for unlicensed operators. The government plans to introduce a cap on the number of ride-hailing vehicles, with details to be outlined in subsidiary legislation next year. This framework aims to balance the interests of traditional taxi companies and the growing demand for modern, convenient transportation options.
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California governor candidate says she ‘fell short’ in viral videos
Katie Porter, a prominent Democratic candidate vying to become California’s next governor, has issued a public apology following the circulation of videos depicting her aggressive interactions with a news reporter and a former staff member. In her first remarks since the videos went viral, Porter acknowledged that she “fell short” and expressed regret for her conduct. Despite her apology, the incident has cast a shadow over her campaign, with some within her party questioning her suitability for the role of governor. Porter, who is widely regarded as a frontrunner in the race to succeed Gavin Newsom, has received minimal support from fellow Democrats, with critics suggesting her behavior raises concerns about her temperament. The controversy emerged just months ahead of the June 2026 primary vote, which will determine the final two candidates in the gubernatorial race. During an appearance on the Inside California Politics program, Porter was directly questioned about her ability to lead the state. She used the opportunity to address the viral footage, stating, “When I look at those videos, I want people to know that I understand that I could have handled things better.” Porter emphasized her commitment to her staff and her determination to continue her campaign, vowing to fight for California’s future. The first video, shared online last week, captured Porter threatening to walk out of an interview with a local CBS reporter and laughing at a question. The second video, dating back to 2021, showed her shouting at a staffer and using explicit language. Porter rose to national prominence during her tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2019 to 2025, where she was known for her incisive questioning and use of a whiteboard during congressional hearings. Her campaign gained momentum after former Vice President Kamala Harris announced she would not run for governor. However, with the primary still months away, other potential candidates, including California Senator Alex Padilla, are being urged to enter the race.