A vibrant and long-hidden portrait by Pablo Picasso, titled ‘Bust of a Woman with a Flowered Hat (Dora Maar)’, was auctioned in Paris for a staggering €27 million ($31.3 million) on Friday. Painted in July 1943, the artwork captures Dora Maar, Picasso’s muse and partner for nearly seven years, during a tumultuous period in their relationship. The painting, part of Picasso’s ‘Woman in a Hat’ series, had been privately held since its purchase in 1944 and had never before been publicly displayed. The auction took place at the prestigious Drouot auction house, which hailed the event as a moment of rare significance, unveiling the full brilliance of a masterpiece kept secret for over eight decades. Picasso specialist Agnes Sevestre-Barbé praised the portrait’s vividness, noting its raw, unvarnished state preserved the artist’s original chromatic range and expressive genius. Previously, the work was only known through a black-and-white photograph, leaving its vibrant colors a mystery. Auctioneer Christophe Lucien highlighted the global interest in the piece, with art markets from the United States to Asia and Europe eagerly anticipating its sale.
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GMU hosts 19th annual MASE 2025 with record participation from schools, students and visitors
Gulf Medical University (GMU) in Ajman successfully hosted the 19th Annual Inter-School Medical, Science, Arts & Humanities Exhibition and Contest (MASE 2025), marking a milestone in the UAE’s academic calendar. This year’s event saw unprecedented participation, with 123 schools from across the UAE and over 10,000 students, teachers, and visitors converging on the GMU campus. The exhibition, inaugurated by Professor Manda Venkatramana, Chancellor of GMU, celebrated the creativity and innovation of young minds. Prof. Venkatramana emphasized the importance of fostering curiosity and interdisciplinary thinking, stating, ‘MASE reflects our belief that education must ignite curiosity and innovation. This platform showcases how the next generation is shaping the future of science, art, and humanity.’ Since its inception nearly two decades ago by Dr. Thumbay Moideen, MASE has evolved into a flagship event, encouraging students to explore real-world applications of science, medicine, and the arts. The 2025 edition featured interactive projects, live experiments, digital art showcases, health awareness campaigns, and robotics challenges. GMU’s specialized colleges, including Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Nursing, and AI in Health Informatics, hosted hands-on workshops, offering students a glimpse into modern healthcare education. The event also saw active participation from teachers, mentors, and parents, who supported students competing in categories such as ‘Best Scientific Innovation,’ ‘Health Awareness Campaign,’ ‘Creative Art Display,’ and ‘Social Impact Projects.’ MASE has grown into a national platform recognized for fostering innovation, interdisciplinary thinking, and community engagement among UAE students. Gulf Medical University, a leading private medical university in the region, continues to shape the next generation of healthcare leaders from over 111 nationalities, living up to its motto, ‘Where the World Comes to Learn.’
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US says six killed in new strike on alleged drug boat in Caribbean
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed on Friday that the United States has executed another targeted strike against a vessel allegedly linked to drug traffickers. The operation, conducted in the Caribbean Sea, targeted the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, resulting in the deaths of six individuals described as ‘narco-terrorists.’ This marks the tenth such strike since early September, as part of President Donald Trump’s broader campaign to combat drug trafficking. Hegseth shared a video on X, showcasing the operation, which depicts a boat being destroyed in a fiery explosion. While the Trump administration asserts its legal authority to conduct these strikes, concerns have been raised by members of Congress, including 25 Democratic senators who questioned the evidence justifying the attacks. Senator Rand Paul, a Republican, has argued that congressional approval is necessary for such actions. Trump, however, maintains that he has the authority to designate Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization and order these strikes. The administration’s actions have also been interpreted as a strategic move to exert military pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a long-time adversary of Trump. The latest strike brings the total death toll from these operations to at least 43.
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Men sentenced over London arson attack masterminded by Russia as part of a wider sabotage campaign
A British court has handed down significant prison sentences to five men involved in an arson attack orchestrated by Russian intelligence, marking a critical moment in the fight against foreign sabotage. The attack, which targeted a London warehouse storing satellite communication devices destined for Ukraine, was part of a broader campaign of terrorism and disruption linked to the Wagner paramilitary group. Sentences ranged from seven to 17 years, with Dylan Earl, the mastermind, receiving the harshest penalty. The court revealed that the arson was part of a coordinated European-wide sabotage effort, with similar attacks documented across the continent since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The judge emphasized that the case underscores Russia’s attempts to exert global influence through covert operations and online recruitment. This is the first instance of sentencing under the UK’s National Security Act of 2023, designed to counter espionage and sabotage by foreign states. The attack caused £1 million in damages and was linked to a subsequent arson in Spain, highlighting the transnational nature of the plot. European intelligence officials warn of escalating risks as Russian-directed saboteurs target civilian infrastructure, aiming to destabilize societies and drain law enforcement resources. The case serves as a stark warning against engaging in activities that undermine national security.
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Amari Capital eyes UAE with global launch of advanced forex trading platform
Amari Capital has unveiled its state-of-the-art trading platform globally, marking a strategic entry into the UAE’s dynamic financial market. Powered by MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the platform offers traders seamless access to forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and metals. Designed to cater to all experience levels, it features ultra-fast execution, tight spreads starting from 0.0 pips, and round-the-clock multilingual support. The integration with MT5 ensures advanced charting tools, customizable interfaces, and deep liquidity across desktop, web, and mobile devices. The UAE’s crypto-friendly environment, bolstered by progressive regulations and zero-tax policies, makes it an ideal hub for Amari Capital’s expansion. Varun Bafna, co-founder of Amari Capital, emphasized the UAE’s role as a leader in financial innovation, stating, ‘Our goal is to empower traders with a transparent and technologically advanced platform.’ The company’s commitment to the region was further demonstrated by its Titanium Sponsorship at the Forex Expo in Dubai, where Bafna was honored as the ‘Best Global Deal Maker.’
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Trump, Xi to make state visits to South Korea next week, Seoul security adviser says
HONOR has introduced its latest technological marvel, the HONOR X9d 5G, a smartphone that redefines durability and performance. Designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, this device combines cutting-edge AI capabilities with robust construction, offering users an unparalleled experience. The HONOR X9d 5G boasts a sleek design that doesn’t compromise on toughness, making it a standout in the competitive smartphone market. Its advanced AI features enhance user interactions, ensuring seamless performance across various applications. Additionally, the device supports 5G connectivity, providing lightning-fast internet speeds for both work and play. HONOR’s commitment to innovation is evident in the X9d 5G, which promises to deliver power, resilience, and sophistication in one compact package. This launch marks a significant step forward in the evolution of smartphones, setting a new standard for durability and technological integration.
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Suitcase murderer jailed for at least 40 years
Yostin Mosquera, a 35-year-old Colombian national, has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murders of Paul Longworth and Albert Alfonso, whose dismembered remains were discovered in suitcases near Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. The Woolwich Crown Court found Mosquera guilty in July 2024, and he was handed a minimum sentence of 40 years and 264 days by Judge Justice Bennathan, who described the crimes as ‘thoroughly wicked.’ Mosquera, who had denied the charges, showed no remorse during the sentencing, even smiling as he was led away from the courtroom. The court heard that Mosquera had decapitated and dismembered the victims at their Shepherd’s Bush flat in London before transporting their remains to Bristol. The murders occurred on July 11, 2024, during Mosquera’s second visit to the UK, which was funded by Mr. Alfonso. Mosquera had previously pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children, for which he received a concurrent 16-month sentence. The relationship between Mosquera and Mr. Alfonso was described as ‘transactional,’ with Mosquera receiving financial support and gifts in exchange for sexual videos. Despite Mosquera’s claims of being ‘raped every day’ by Mr. Alfonso, the court found no evidence to support his defense. The case has left investigators puzzled, particularly regarding Mosquera’s decision to transport the remains to Bristol, which exposed him to unnecessary risk.
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Fight against corruption a protracted battle with no finish line, official says
China’s battle against corruption is an enduring struggle with no definitive conclusion, according to Jiang Jinquan, Director of the Policy Research Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. Speaking at a press conference on October 24, 2025, Jiang emphasized the continuous refinement of the Party and national supervisory systems, alongside strengthened regulation and oversight of power allocation and its execution. His remarks were made while outlining the major objectives for China’s economic and social development over the next five years, following the conclusion of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee in Beijing. The session adopted the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development, which underscores China’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption through a comprehensive and persistent campaign. Jiang highlighted the Party’s ‘zero tolerance’ stance on corruption, its determination to impose strict penalties, and its resolve to eradicate corrupt practices entirely. Additionally, the recommendations stress the ongoing implementation of the central Party leadership’s eight-point code, aimed at improving Party and government conduct, fostering closer ties with the public, and rectifying inappropriate practices, including formalism, to alleviate the burden on grassroots workers. The document also calls for the development of grassroots Party organizations across various sectors, urging them to lead by example in serving the public and advancing reform and development. Furthermore, the recommendations emphasize the importance of intra-Party democracy to ensure decisions are made scientifically, democratically, and legally, which is vital for addressing risks and challenges and promoting steady, sustainable economic and social progress.
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‘It became one of the children’ – Kenyan family on adopting orphaned cheetah cub
In a heartwarming yet complex tale of human-wildlife interaction, a Kenyan family from Wajir County has shared their extraordinary journey of raising an orphaned cheetah cub. The cub was discovered beside its deceased mother, and the family, led by Bisharo Abdirahman Omar and Rashid Abdi Hussein, decided to nurture it despite opposition from their livestock-rearing neighbors. The Somali-speaking nomadic community, heavily reliant on livestock, often views predators like cheetahs as threats. However, the family chose compassion over convenience, caring for the cub for over two years, during which it became an integral part of their household. They fed it milk via a syringe initially and later transitioned to meat, sacrificing 15 sheep to sustain the growing cheetah. Their efforts earned praise from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), though the agency emphasized that keeping wild animals as pets is illegal. The cheetah has since been relocated to the Nairobi Safari Walk for professional care. This story sheds light on the broader crisis facing cheetahs in northeastern Kenya, where poaching, poisoning, and trafficking are rampant. According to the Cheetah Conservation Fund, hundreds of cheetah cubs are smuggled annually from the Horn of Africa to the Gulf States. The family’s refusal to sell the cub, despite lucrative offers, underscores their commitment to wildlife protection and raises awareness about the urgent need for conservation efforts.
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Armed police handcuff teen after AI mistakes crisp packet for gun in US
A 16-year-old student from Baltimore, Taki Allen, found himself at the center of a dramatic police response after an artificial intelligence (AI) system falsely identified a bag of Doritos as a firearm. The incident unfolded after Allen, who had just finished football practice, placed an empty chip packet in his pocket. Minutes later, armed officers arrived at the scene, handcuffed him, and conducted a search before confirming there was no threat. The AI alert, generated by Omnilert’s gun detection system, was initially reviewed by human analysts who found no cause for concern. However, the school’s principal, unaware of this, escalated the matter to the safety team, which ultimately called the police. The Baltimore County Police Department defended their actions, stating they responded appropriately based on the information available. The incident has sparked calls for a review of AI-powered security systems in schools. Local councilman Izzy Pakota urged Baltimore County Public Schools to reassess its procedures, while Omnilert emphasized that its system functioned as intended, prioritizing safety through rapid human verification. Allen, now wary of similar incidents, has decided to stay indoors after practice, feeling it’s no longer safe to be outside with snacks. The case has reignited debates about the reliability of AI in weapon detection, especially following recent controversies involving other AI security systems.