Members of Parliament (MPs) from multiple UK political parties have called on the government to urgently review and suspend arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following evidence that British-made military equipment has been used by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. The RSF, a paramilitary group accused of committing atrocities, recently seized the city of el-Fasher in North Darfur, where they massacred civilians and reportedly executed 460 people in a hospital. Reports indicate that British arms have been found in RSF hands in combat zones, raising concerns about the UAE’s role in supplying weapons to the group. MPs from the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, Labour, Independent Alliance, and Scottish National Party have united in demanding an immediate halt to arms exports to the UAE. Monica Harding, Liberal Democrat MP, emphasized that the UK must ensure its equipment does not facilitate violence. Ellie Chowns of the Green Party urged the government to act swiftly to stop the bloodshed. Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed expressed outrage over British weapons fueling mass killings, calling for an urgent review of arms exports. The UN Security Council has received evidence linking the UAE to the supply of British arms to the RSF, despite the UAE’s denial of support. The Labour government faces mounting pressure to take a stronger stance, with MPs warning that continued arms sales undermine the UK’s international credibility and risk complicity in the violence. The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has displaced 13 million people and claimed tens of thousands of lives, with both the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces accused of war crimes.
作者： admin
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Businesses are running out of pennies in the US
The discontinuation of the US penny has created a ripple effect across businesses, leaving many struggling to manage cash transactions. Earlier this year, the Trump administration halted the production of the one-cent coin, citing excessive costs and inefficiency. Since the US Mint officially ceased minting pennies in May, the shortage has intensified, with banks unable to replenish their supplies. This has forced retailers to adopt creative solutions, such as rounding cash transactions to the nearest five cents. However, this practice has sparked confusion and financial strain, particularly for businesses reliant on cash payments. Dylan Jeon, senior director of government relations at the National Retail Federation, highlighted the widespread impact, noting that the shortage affects any business handling cash. Convenience stores, in particular, have been hit hard, with industry giant Kwik Trip estimating losses of up to $3 million this year due to rounding down transactions. While some cities mandate exact change, many retailers are opting to round down to avoid legal disputes and customer dissatisfaction. Mark Weller, executive director of Americans for Common Cents, emphasized the disproportionate effect on lower-income Americans who rely on cash transactions. He argued that the savings from discontinuing penny production may be offset by the increased demand for nickels, which are more expensive to produce. As the shortage persists, calls for federal guidance on rounding practices and transaction management have grown louder. Despite the challenges, pennies remain in circulation, often forgotten in pockets or stored in jars, leaving businesses and consumers alike navigating an uncertain financial landscape.
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France hit by second major heist as thieves target gold refinery
French law enforcement has apprehended six individuals near Lyon in connection with a daring heist at a precious metals refinery. The thieves reportedly used explosives to breach the facility on Thursday, making off with a haul primarily consisting of gold, valued at €12 million (£10.5 million, $13.8 million). Following a high-speed chase, police successfully detained the suspects and recovered the stolen goods. This incident follows the recent arrest of five individuals linked to a high-profile theft at the Louvre Museum in Paris earlier this month. Social media footage from the Lyon heist captured two men near a white van, with one scaling the refinery’s fence using a ladder. Another video depicted a robber armed with a weapon and loading briefcases into the vehicle. A local resident recounted hearing a significant explosion, describing it as ‘really impressive.’ Five employees of Pourquery Laboratories sustained minor injuries from the blast. Among those detained was a woman, and authorities seized assault rifles and explosives during the operation. Meanwhile, the Louvre heist investigation has led to the arrest of seven individuals, including three of the four thieves who used a mechanical lift to access the museum’s Gallery of Apollo on October 19. The thieves employed a disc cutter to open display cases containing crown jewels, stealing items worth €88 million (£76 million; $102 million). Police continue their search for the fourth suspect.
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Hotel owner and 10 others jailed for life over deadly Turkish fire
In a landmark ruling, the owner of a Turkish ski resort hotel and 10 others have been sentenced to life in prison following the deadliest fire in Turkey’s history. The devastating blaze at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu occurred during school holidays in January, claiming the lives of 78 people, including 34 children. The fire, which erupted in the early hours, forced some residents to leap from the 12-story building to escape the inferno. A total of 137 people were injured in the tragedy.
The hotel owner, Halit Ergül, along with his wife and two daughters, received the maximum penalty after being found guilty of severe negligence. Bolu’s deputy mayor and the local fire chief were also among those sentenced. An investigation revealed critical safety failures, including malfunctioning safety equipment and non-compliant gas installations. Ergül denied responsibility, blaming the gas supplier and the tourism ministry for oversight.
In addition to the life sentences, 18 other defendants, mostly hotel employees, were handed prison terms ranging from 12 to 22 years. Two cooks were acquitted. The Bolu mountains, a popular skiing destination for residents of Istanbul and Ankara, were bustling with tourists at the time of the disaster due to the school holiday season. The tragedy has left a lasting scar on the community, with victims’ families expressing profound grief and loss.
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Judge orders arrest of ex-Green Beret tied to failed Venezuela raid after court no-show
A federal judge in Tampa, Florida, has issued an arrest warrant for Jordan Goudreau, a former Green Beret accused of orchestrating a failed coup attempt in Venezuela in 2020. Goudreau, 49, failed to appear in court for a hearing regarding potential violations of his pre-trial release conditions. Last year, he was arrested on weapons smuggling charges tied to the botched invasion, which aimed to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Released on bond secured by filmmaker Jen Gatien’s $2 million Manhattan apartment, Goudreau now faces allegations of abusive behavior and threats to flee the country. Gatien testified that Goudreau reneged on financial agreements and sent threatening messages, including claims he would not return to jail. Judge Christopher Tuite issued the warrant after Goudreau’s absence, despite his ankle monitor still being active in the Tampa area. Goudreau’s attorney expressed confusion over his client’s disappearance. The 2020 plot, dubbed the ‘Bay of Piglets,’ involved training Venezuelan deserters in Colombia for a cross-border raid. Exposed by The Associated Press, the mission failed, resulting in casualties and imprisonment of Goudreau’s associates. Gatien’s documentary, ‘Men of War,’ initially sympathetic to Goudreau, has since highlighted his deceit and coercive behavior. Prosecutors also revealed Goudreau’s attempts to retrieve assault rifles stored by an Oklahoma couple, violating court orders. Goudreau, a Canadian-born U.S. citizen, claims his mission had tacit approval from the Trump administration, which has faced criticism for its approach to Venezuelan regime change. He remains a polarizing figure, recently accusing the CIA of sabotaging his efforts and questioning U.S. foreign policy in Venezuela.
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Is it time for crypto enthusiasts to be hopeful again?
After years of volatility and uncertainty, cryptocurrency enthusiasts are beginning to see signs of optimism in the market. With easing trade tensions between the US and China, increased regulatory clarity, and a supportive stance from the US government, the crypto landscape appears to be shifting toward a more favorable environment. The recent flash crash that wiped out $19 billion seems to have been overshadowed by these developments, sparking renewed hope among investors.
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Dubai World Cup turns 30: How the UAE is fast becoming a global hub for horse racing
As the Dubai World Cup marks its 30th anniversary, the UAE solidifies its position as a global leader in horse racing. The event, which began in 1996 under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has transformed Dubai into a premier destination for the sport. The 2025–2026 Dubai Racing Carnival, set to commence on November 7 at Meydan Racecourse, will feature 16 race meetings, culminating in the 30th Dubai World Cup on March 28, 2026, with a staggering total purse of $30.5 million. This milestone celebrates not only the event’s legacy but also the UAE’s commitment to innovation, integrity, and international collaboration in horse racing. The introduction of new initiatives, such as the Investigation Unit by the Emirates Racing Authority, underscores the nation’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of fairness and transparency. Additionally, the expanded international lineup and enhanced prize money reflect Dubai’s growing influence in the global racing community. From its humble beginnings at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse to the state-of-the-art Meydan Racecourse, the Dubai World Cup has become a symbol of excellence, attracting the world’s finest horses, trainers, and owners. As the UAE continues to raise the bar, the 30th edition promises to be a historic celebration of the sport’s evolution and Dubai’s enduring legacy in horse racing.
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AI in Arabic? How Gulf could soon lead Artificial Intelligence race
The Gulf region is emerging as a global leader in the development and export of Arabic-focused artificial intelligence (AI). What began as a regional push to digitize economies has evolved into a competitive race to create and export AI systems tailored to the linguistic and cultural nuances of the Arab world. At the forefront of this transformation are startups like Arabic.AI, which showcased advanced large language models (LLMs) at GITEX Global 2025, MENA’s premier tech event. These models, capable of processing and responding in Arabic, mark a significant shift from mere adoption to the creation of region-specific AI technologies.
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The true cost of Ozempic, Mounjaro and other easy weight-loss fixes
In a society increasingly fixated on physical appearance, the allure of quick fixes for weight loss has never been stronger. Among the most popular solutions are GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes but now widely prescribed off-label for rapid weight loss. These medications, which suppress appetite and slow digestion, promise dramatic results, with users often shedding 15 to 20 percent of their body weight in just a few months. However, beneath the surface of these seemingly miraculous transformations lies a troubling narrative of physical and emotional distress.
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Inside UAE’s Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons x Ulysse Nardin’s ‘AIR’ watch
In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, a cornerstone of Middle Eastern watch culture, has partnered with Swiss luxury watchmaker Ulysse Nardin to launch the Diver [AIR] Seddiqi 75th Anniversary Edition. This limited-edition timepiece, with only 30 units available, redefines the concept of a dive watch through its innovative design and lightweight construction. Weighing just 52 grams, including the strap, the Diver [AIR] is the world’s lightest mechanical diver, blending advanced materials with meticulous craftsmanship. The watch features a skeletonised dial that showcases the UN-374 Manufacture calibre, with its bridges and main plate crafted from 90% recycled titanium. A vibrant blue hue, signature to the Seddiqi edition, adorns every element, from the Super-LumiNova hands and indexes to the CarbonFoil bezel and elastic strap. Technically, the watch is a marvel, offering 200-meter water resistance while maintaining exceptional durability. The 44mm case combines recycled titanium with Nylo-Foil, an eco-conscious material derived from reclaimed fishing nets and upcycled carbon fibre. A subtle “75” engraved under the mineral-glass caseback pays homage to Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons’ journey from a single storefront in 1950 to a dominant force in the Middle East’s watch industry. This collaboration between two pioneers—one shaping regional watch culture and the other pushing the boundaries of modern watchmaking—has resulted in a timepiece that embodies both innovation and heritage, a watch that feels as light as air yet carries the weight of history.