In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum’s Irish-bred colt, Powerful Glory, delivered one of the most astonishing upsets in horse racing history on British Champions Day at Ascot. The three-year-old sprinter, ridden by former British Champion Jockey Jamie Spencer, defied staggering odds of 200-1 to clinch victory in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes (G1). This triumph marks the longest-priced Group 1 win in Europe since the Flat Pattern began in 1971, eclipsing the previous record held by Qirat’s 150-1 Sussex Stakes victory in 1971. The win was particularly remarkable given Powerful Glory’s recent poor performance, finishing last of five at Beverley just weeks prior. Trainer Richard Fahey, who had seen glimpses of potential in the colt, expressed his astonishment at the result, stating, ‘We’ve finally seen the real Powerful Glory today.’ The victory was sealed by a short neck over the favorite, Lazzat, ridden by James Doyle, who praised Spencer’s tactical brilliance. The day also saw Godolphin’s Trawlerman, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, secure the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup (G1), further cementing the stable’s dominance in staying races. French contender Calandagan, under jockey Mickael Barzalona, rounded off the event with a win in the Champion Stakes (G1), showcasing France’s continued prowess on the international stage. British Champions Day 2025 will be remembered as a day of historic upsets and unforgettable triumphs.
作者： admin
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Pakistan, Afghanistan confirm ceasefire agreement
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan and Afghanistan have formalized a ceasefire agreement aimed at halting cross-border hostilities and fostering mutual respect for territorial sovereignty. The accord, confirmed by officials from both nations on Sunday, marks a pivotal step toward de-escalating long-standing tensions along their shared border. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif announced on social media that attacks originating from Afghanistan into Pakistan would cease immediately. Further discussions on the implementation of the ceasefire and enhanced security collaboration are scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul, Türkiye, where delegations from both countries will convene. Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid echoed the sentiment, revealing that the bilateral agreement was finalized following negotiations in Doha, Qatar. The pact underscores a shared commitment to peace, mutual respect, and the strengthening of neighborly ties. Both nations have pledged to resolve disputes through dialogue, refraining from targeting each other’s security forces, civilians, or critical infrastructure. This agreement is seen as a cornerstone for regional stability and a potential catalyst for broader diplomatic engagement.
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To hit back at the United States in their trade war, China borrows from the US playbook
In a strategic move mirroring U.S. trade practices, China has expanded its export control regulations, requiring foreign companies to seek Chinese government approval for exporting products containing even minimal amounts of China-originated rare earth materials or those produced using Chinese technology. This policy, announced this month, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. According to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, this rule effectively grants China substantial control over the global technology supply chain, as even a South Korean smartphone manufacturer must now obtain Beijing’s permission to sell devices containing Chinese rare earth materials to markets like Australia. This development underscores China’s adoption of the U.S. foreign direct product rule, a decades-old policy that extends U.S. jurisdiction to foreign-made products, particularly those involving American technology. Neil Thomas, a fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis, noted that Beijing is leveraging Washington’s playbook, having witnessed the effectiveness of U.S. export controls in constraining China’s economic and political options. The roots of this strategy trace back to 2018, when former U.S. President Donald Trump initiated a trade war with China, prompting Beijing to develop a robust toolkit of laws and policies to counter foreign sanctions and interventions. Measures such as China’s Unreliable Entity List and the anti-foreign sanction law, both modeled after U.S. practices, have been deployed to retaliate against U.S. trade actions. However, experts like Jeremy Daum of Yale Law School caution that such reciprocal measures risk escalating tensions and creating a race to the bottom, where neither side emerges victorious.
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Empress’s crown covered in over 1,000 diamonds found broken after Louvre robbery
In a shocking turn of events, French authorities discovered a damaged 19th-century crown near the Louvre in Paris on Sunday, October 19, 2025, following a daring robbery at the renowned museum. The crown, once owned by Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, is an exquisite piece adorned with golden eagles, 1,354 diamonds, and 56 emeralds, as detailed on the museum’s official website. The theft, which occurred earlier in the day, targeted the museum’s ‘Gallerie d’Apollon’ (Apollo’s Gallery), where three or four thieves reportedly used a furniture hoist to steal ‘priceless’ artifacts from two displays. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed the incident but did not specify the full extent of the stolen items. Among the treasures typically housed in the gallery are three historically significant diamonds—the Regent, the Sancy, and the Hortensia—as well as an emerald-and-diamond necklace gifted by Napoleon to his wife, Empress Marie Louise. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full scope of the loss and apprehend the perpetrators.
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These confederate statues caused nationwide protests. Melted down, they’re now art pieces
A thought-provoking exhibition in Los Angeles is redefining the legacy of Confederate monuments, sparking debates about history, race, and memory. The centerpiece of the show, titled \”Monuments,\” features 18 decommissioned Confederate statues, including the infamous equestrian statue of General Robert E. Lee, which once stood in Charlottesville, Virginia. The statue, now melted into bronze ingots, is displayed alongside toxic slag from the process, symbolizing the contentious history it represents.
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A cargo aircraft skids off a Hong Kong runway into the sea, killing 2 people
A tragic incident unfolded at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday when a cargo aircraft veered off the runway and plunged into the sea, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The Boeing 747 freighter, operated by Turkish air cargo carrier AirACT under the flight number EK9788 for Emirates SkyCargo, was arriving from Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The crash occurred around 3:50 a.m. during landing. Authorities confirmed that four crew members were rescued and hospitalized, while two individuals in an airport ground vehicle lost their lives. The north runway, one of three at the bustling airport, has been closed indefinitely, though the other two runways remain operational. Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department has initiated an investigation, collaborating with the airline and other relevant parties to determine the cause of the accident. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols at one of Asia’s busiest aviation hubs.
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India sparkles as millions celebrate Diwali festival
Millions across India are immersed in the vibrant festivities of Diwali, the festival of lights, a cornerstone of Hindu tradition. Homes and streets glow with the warm light of earthen lamps, known as diyas, while fireworks light up the night sky. However, the joyous celebrations come with a significant environmental cost, particularly in northern India, where air pollution spikes during the winter months. This year, the Supreme Court has allowed the sale and use of ‘green crackers’ in Delhi, lifting a ban in place since 2020. These eco-friendly alternatives claim to reduce pollution by 20–30%, though their effectiveness remains debated. Despite restrictions in several states, the widespread use of traditional firecrackers continues to exacerbate air quality issues post-Diwali. Beyond the environmental concerns, Diwali is a time of cultural richness. Families prepare elaborate feasts featuring traditional sweets, curries, and savoury dishes, while homes are adorned with colourful rangoli designs and paper lanterns. The festival also fosters community spirit, transcending religious boundaries as people of all faiths join in the celebrations. Markets bustle with shoppers, providing a significant boost to the economy. Diwali remains a testament to India’s cultural unity and resilience, even as the nation grapples with the dual challenges of preserving tradition and protecting the environment.
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Premier League: Buendia seals comeback win for Villa at Tottenham
In a thrilling Premier League encounter on Sunday, Aston Villa staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1, thanks to a decisive goal from substitute Emiliano Buendia. The match, held at Tottenham’s home ground, saw the hosts take an early lead when Rodrigo Bentancur capitalized on a deep cross from Mohammed Kudus, finishing from close range in the fifth minute. However, Villa’s resilience shone through as Morgan Rogers equalized with a stunning long-range strike in the 37th minute, setting the stage for a dramatic second half. Buendia, who entered the game in the 60th minute, sealed the victory with a precise low shot into the far corner, sending the traveling Villa fans into raptures. This win marks Villa’s fifth consecutive victory, propelling them to 10th place in the league table with 12 points. Meanwhile, Tottenham, who suffered their second league defeat of the season, remain in sixth place, trailing Chelsea on goal difference. The loss was a missed opportunity for Tottenham, who could have climbed to second place with a win. Despite a strong start, they struggled to maintain momentum and lacked creativity as the game progressed.
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From Hollywood to horticulture: Cate Blanchett on a mission to save seeds
Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett has taken a surprising detour from her Hollywood career to immerse herself in the world of botanical conservation. Partnering with Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) at Wakehurst Botanic Garden in Sussex, Blanchett has become an ambassador for the project, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The MSB, home to over 2.5 billion seeds from 40,000 wild plant species worldwide, serves as a critical safeguard against biodiversity loss. Blanchett, who lives locally, expressed her awe at the seed bank’s mission, describing it as ‘inspiring’ and ‘uplifting.’
The seed bank, initially conceived as a ‘doomsday vault’ to protect plant species from extinction, has evolved into a hub for ecological restoration. Seeds are meticulously processed, dried, and stored at -20°C, ready to be reintroduced into threatened habitats. Dr. Elinor Breman of the MSB emphasized the importance of returning seeds to their natural environments, citing ongoing projects like the restoration of rare chalk grasslands on the South Downs in Sussex.
Blanchett, who hails from Australia, highlighted the significance of the MSB’s work in the wake of devastating wildfires that swept across her homeland in 2019. With nearly 9,000 Australian plant species stored at the MSB, she finds solace in knowing that these seeds serve as an ‘insurance policy’ against future ecological disasters. The actress has also embraced hands-on involvement, joking about her efforts to ‘turn her brown thumbs green’ and improve her seed management skills.
In a special episode of Kew’s podcast, ‘Unearthed: The Need for Seeds,’ Blanchett joined The King (formerly the Prince of Wales) to discuss the urgency of plant conservation. The King voiced concerns about rainforest destruction and species extinction, underscoring the critical role of initiatives like the MSB. Blanchett, meanwhile, described the seed bank as the UK’s ‘best-kept secret’ and expressed optimism about its growing importance in the face of global environmental challenges.
As the MSB looks to the future, its mission remains clear: to restore and protect the planet’s biodiversity. Blanchett’s involvement not only amplifies the project’s visibility but also serves as a reminder that positive change is possible. ‘You come here, you visit the seed bank, you walk through such a biodiverse landscape, and you leave uplifted,’ she said. ‘You know change is possible, and it’s happening.’
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Video: 2 Kuwaitis arrested for violent robbery; legal action taken against them
Two Kuwaiti nationals employed by the Ministry of Defence have been arrested for committing a violent robbery in Hawalli Governorate, as confirmed by the Gulf country’s Ministry of Interior on Sunday. The incident unfolded after an Asian resident reported being robbed by two individuals, one of whom restrained him while the other stole his belongings before fleeing the scene. The Salmiya Investigation Office launched a thorough probe, utilizing surveillance camera footage to identify the perpetrators. Authorities successfully apprehended one suspect, who confessed to the crime and implicated his accomplice. The second suspect was subsequently arrested and also admitted to his involvement. During the search operations, authorities discovered substances suspected to be narcotics and drug paraphernalia in the suspects’ possession. Both individuals, along with the seized items, have been referred to the competent authorities for legal proceedings. In a statement, the Ministry of Interior emphasized that the law will be enforced without exception, underscoring its commitment to combating all forms of crime.