In a commanding display of rugby prowess, South Africa’s Springboks delivered a resounding 61-7 victory against Japan at a rain-soaked Wembley Stadium on Saturday. The match, marked by nine tries from the Springboks, showcased their dominance, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu stealing the spotlight with two exceptional solo efforts. This encounter was the first between the two teams since their 2019 World Cup quarterfinal clash. The Springboks, fresh off their back-to-back Rugby Championship titles, overwhelmed Japan with their speed, power, and tactical precision. By halftime, South Africa had built an insurmountable 26-0 lead, fueled by their lineout drive and Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s skillful play. The game also served as a warm-up for South Africa’s upcoming showdown against Six Nations champion France in Paris. Early in the match, a high tackle on Feinberg-Mngomezulu set the tone, leading to captain Siya Kolisi’s opening try. Feinberg-Mngomezulu then dazzled with a chip-and-chase try, followed by a clever dummy move for his second score. Despite Japan’s brief resurgence with a converted try by Yoshitaka Yazaki, the Springboks unleashed a flurry of tries in the final half-hour, including two by Kurt-Lee Arendse, sealing their record-breaking win against Japan.
作者： admin
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UAE Flag Day celebrations: Flag-raising at 11am, drone shows at Global Village
The United Arab Emirates is gearing up for its annual Flag Day celebrations on November 3, 2025, a day dedicated to honoring the nation’s unity and leadership. Established in 2013 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Flag Day commemorates the anniversary of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s ascension as President in 2004. This year’s festivities will kick off with a nationwide flag-raising ceremony at 11am, observed by citizens, residents, and institutions across the country. The event will include the playing of the national anthem and a moment of reflection to express loyalty and patriotism. Flags will adorn homes, streets, and businesses, with strict guidelines in place to ensure proper respect for the national symbol. While Flag Day is not a public holiday, it marks the beginning of a month-long celebration leading up to Eid Al Etihad on December 2. In Dubai, the iconic Flag Garden at Umm Suqeim Beach, near the Burj Al Arab, will showcase thousands of UAE flags arranged in aerial portraits of the nation’s founding leaders, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The garden will be open to the public from October 31, 2025, to January 10, 2026. Adding to the festivities, Global Village in Dubai will host a breathtaking drone show on November 3 at 9pm. Hundreds of drones will illuminate the night sky, forming intricate patterns, the UAE flag, and other visual tributes to the nation. Sheikh Mohammed has urged all citizens and residents to participate in the celebrations, emphasizing the importance of unity, belonging, and loyalty to the UAE and its leadership.
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India’s Rohan Bopanna bids farewell to professional tennis after 20 ‘unforgettable years’
Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna has officially announced his retirement from professional tennis, marking the end of a remarkable 20-year career. The 45-year-old doubles star made his final appearance at the Paris Masters 1000, partnering with Alexander Bublik, in a fitting farewell to a venue that has been pivotal in his journey. Bopanna’s retirement comes after a year of historic achievements, including becoming the oldest man in tennis history to win a Grand Slam title and the oldest World No. 1 doubles player.
In a heartfelt statement, Bopanna reflected on his career, saying, ‘How do you bid farewell to something that gave your life its meaning? After 20 unforgettable years on tour, it’s time… I’m officially hanging up my racquet. From chopping wood in Coorg to strengthen my serve, to standing under the lights of the biggest arenas in the world, it feels surreal. Representing India has been the greatest honour of my life, and every time I stepped on court, I played for that flag, that feeling, that pride.’
Bopanna’s legacy is one of passion, perseverance, and excellence. He has represented India with distinction, finishing fourth at the Rio 2016 Olympics alongside Sania Mirza and being a cornerstone of the Davis Cup team for over two decades. Beyond his competitive achievements, Bopanna has been instrumental in promoting tennis in India. He recently brought UTR Tennis Pro to the country and is actively involved in grassroots and development initiatives through his academy, nurturing the next generation of Indian tennis talent.
As he transitions away from professional competition, Bopanna will remain connected to the sport. He is set to participate in the Tennis Premier League (TPL) Season 7, scheduled from December 9 to 14 at the Gujarat University Tennis Stadium in Ahmedabad. His retirement marks the end of an era but also the beginning of a new chapter in his lifelong dedication to tennis.
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Sharjah: 13,306 surprise visits conducted to ensure fire readiness at workshops, towers
Sharjah Civil Defence has ramped up its fire safety initiatives, conducting a total of 18,714 inspections in the first half of 2025, including 13,306 surprise visits to industrial, commercial, and residential facilities. The campaign aims to ensure compliance with fire safety standards, assess the functionality of alarm and suppression systems, and verify the safe storage of flammable materials. Brigadier General Yousif Obaid Harmoul Al Shamsi, Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence, emphasized that safety is a collective responsibility requiring awareness and participation from all community members. The inspections are complemented by educational sessions, where officers provide practical guidance on preventive measures, evacuation procedures, and the correct use of firefighting equipment. Al Shamsi highlighted the importance of a proactive approach to fire prevention, supported by 14 strategically located firefighting centres equipped with advanced technology for rapid response. The initiative reflects Sharjah’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety and resilience, ensuring that buildings and facilities are prepared for emergencies. Compared to 2024, the increased number of inspections demonstrates a sustained effort to uphold international fire safety standards and minimize risks across the emirate.
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Chinese cuisine championship bridges cultures in Kenya
The 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, held at Kenya’s Utalii College, became a vibrant hub of culinary excellence and cultural connection. The event, organized by the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry with support from the Chinese embassy in Kenya and the Kenya Chinese Cuisine and Culture Association, attracted approximately 40 teams from across the globe. Participants included 15 Kenyan teams, 15 from China, and representatives from Australia, Senegal, South Africa, Nigeria, and the United States, alongside three non-professional Kenyan teams. The competition highlighted the artistry of Chinese cuisine, with chefs crafting innovative dishes that blended traditional Chinese flavors with African influences. From dim sum to Sichuan spice and Cantonese delicacies, the event showcased the diversity of Chinese culinary traditions. Rebecca Miano, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for Tourism, emphasized the event’s role in strengthening Kenya-China relations, aligning with the vision of a ‘China-Kenya Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.’ She also underscored the importance of gastronomy in promoting tourism and fostering economic diplomacy. The championship not only celebrated culinary skills but also served as a platform for cultural exchange, bridging communities through the universal language of food.
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Sudan: New satellite images suggest mass killings continue in Al Fasher
New satellite imagery analyzed by Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab indicates that mass killings are likely continuing in and around Al Fasher, Sudan, following the city’s capture by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF seized Al Fasher on Sunday, marking the fall of the Sudanese army’s last stronghold in the Darfur region after an 18-month siege. Reports from survivors describe horrific atrocities, including the execution of children in front of their parents, widespread looting, and the abduction of civilians. The Yale report identified at least 31 clusters of objects consistent with human bodies across neighborhoods, university grounds, and military sites, suggesting a grim toll on the population. Tens of thousands remain trapped in the city, while over 65,000 have fled. The RSF claims to have arrested fighters accused of abuses, but UN officials have questioned their commitment to accountability. The conflict has deepened Sudan’s division, with the RSF now controlling all five state capitals in Darfur, effectively splitting the country along an east-west axis.
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Pollock scores as England take revenge on Australia
In a gripping encounter at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, England secured a hard-fought 25-7 victory against Australia in the opening match of the Quilter Nations Series. The game, marked by moments of brilliance and tension, showcased England’s resilience and tactical depth, extending their winning streak to eight consecutive Tests.
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Nigeria pushes back after Trump claims country’s Christians face ‘existential threat’
ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly rejected the recent designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ by the United States, which accused the West African nation of failing to curb the persecution of Christians. In a statement released on social media on Saturday, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria is a nation built on religious freedom and tolerance, rejecting the characterization as inaccurate and misleading. He stated, ‘Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it. Our constitution guarantees protection for citizens of all faiths.’
The U.S. designation, which was echoed in a social media post by former President Donald Trump on Friday, claimed that Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria due to actions by radical Islamists. Trump’s comments followed weeks of similar claims by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who urged Congress to label Nigeria as a violator of religious freedom, citing alleged ‘Christian mass murder.’
Nigeria, with a population of 220 million, is nearly evenly split between Christians and Muslims. The country has long grappled with insecurity from various sources, including the extremist group Boko Haram, which seeks to impose its radical interpretation of Islamic law and has targeted both Christians and Muslims. Attacks in Nigeria are driven by a range of motives, including religious tensions, farmer-herder conflicts over dwindling resources, communal rivalries, and ethnic clashes.
Analysts note that while Christians are among those targeted, the majority of victims of armed groups are Muslims in Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim north, where most attacks occur. Kimiebi Ebienfa, a spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of religion. ‘The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion,’ Ebienfa said. ‘Like America, Nigeria celebrates the diversity that is our greatest strength.’
Nigeria was first placed on the U.S. ‘country of particular concern’ list in 2020 over alleged ‘systematic violations of religious freedom.’ The designation, which did not specifically single out attacks on Christians, was lifted in 2023, a move seen as an effort to improve bilateral relations ahead of then-U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit.
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ICC prosecutors urge Appeals Chamber to keep ex Philippine president Duterte detained
The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly advocated for the continued detention of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, urging the Appeals Chamber to dismiss his request for temporary release. In a public redacted filing submitted on October 31, the prosecution defended the September 26 ruling by Pre-Trial Chamber I, which denied Duterte’s interim release under the Rome Statute. The prosecution argued that Duterte’s defense failed to identify any legal or factual errors in the initial decision to detain him. The chamber had previously emphasized that Duterte’s detention is essential to ensure his appearance at trial, prevent obstruction of justice, and halt any potential continuation of alleged crimes. The prosecution highlighted Duterte’s significant political influence and extensive network of loyal supporters, including his daughter, Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte, and his recent election as mayor of Davao City, as factors that could enable him to evade justice. They also dismissed Duterte’s health-related arguments for release, stating that his medical claims were insufficient and that detention posed no serious risk to his well-being. The OTP further justified the use of public information, such as media reports and NGO findings, to support their case, noting that such sources are routinely accepted in ICC proceedings. The prosecution concluded that the risks of Duterte fleeing or obstructing justice are not hypothetical but substantiated by his political connections and international reach.
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9 killed in stampede at Andhra Pradesh’s Venkateswara temple
A devastating stampede at the Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district on Saturday resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, with many more injured. The incident occurred as a large crowd of devotees gathered at the temple, leading to a chaotic surge that overwhelmed the area. Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer expressed profound grief over the tragedy, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the bereaved families and announced financial assistance for the victims. Modi stated, ‘I am deeply pained by the stampede at Venkateswara Swamy Temple. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones, and I pray for the swift recovery of the injured.’ The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund will provide Rs. 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured. This incident is the latest in a series of deadly crowd crushes at Indian religious gatherings, highlighting ongoing safety concerns. In recent months, similar tragedies have occurred at campaign rallies, festivals, and rituals across the country, underscoring the urgent need for improved crowd management and safety measures.