In a significant operation at Rosslare Europort in County Wexford, Irish revenue officers intercepted a substantial quantity of suspected cocaine, weighing approximately 202.5 kilograms. The discovery was made during a routine search of a lorry that had just disembarked from a ferry. The seized drugs, estimated to be worth €14.2 million (£12.3 million), mark one of the largest narcotics hauls in recent Irish history. Following the seizure, Gardaí (Irish police) arrested a man in his 30s, who is currently being held at a local garda station. Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with further details expected to emerge as the case progresses. This operation underscores the continued efforts by Irish law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and organized crime within the Republic of Ireland.
分类： society
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UAE: Man fined Dh20,000 for posting woman’s photos online without her consent
In a landmark ruling, the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Claims Court has fined a man Dh20,000 for posting a woman’s photos and videos on social media without her consent. The court found that the defendant’s actions violated the plaintiff’s privacy, causing her significant moral and psychological harm. The ruling, issued on October 16, 2025, followed a thorough review of both criminal and civil aspects of the case. The woman had initially filed a lawsuit after discovering that her images had been shared online, leading to emotional distress and reputational damage. The defendant had previously been convicted by the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court for breaching the woman’s privacy, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeal in March 2025. The civil court emphasized that the compensation awarded must be proportionate to the harm caused. While the plaintiff sought Dh50,000 in damages, the court determined that Dh20,000 was sufficient to address the emotional and reputational impact. The ruling was based on Article 282 of the Federal Civil Transactions Law, which mandates compensation for any harm caused to another person, regardless of intent. This case highlights the UAE’s stringent privacy laws, which criminalize the unauthorized sharing of personal data, images, or messages. Legal experts warn that such actions can result in fines up to Dh500,000, imprisonment, or even deportation for non-citizens. The court’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the legal and financial consequences of violating privacy in the UAE.
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Dubai: Can patients take legal action if insurance company rejects prescribed procedures?
In Dubai, patients facing the rejection of essential medical procedures by their insurance companies have legal avenues to address such disputes. According to Article 13 (1), (2), and (3) of Dubai Health Insurance Law No. 11 of 2013, insurance providers are mandated to cover health benefits, including emergency treatments from out-of-network providers until the beneficiary’s life is no longer at risk. Additionally, insurers must ensure that beneficiaries can access all rights stipulated in their health insurance policies. Article 20 further reinforces this obligation, stating that the insurer must bear the cost of health benefits as per the policy terms. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has established a dispute resolution system under Article 21, which requires parties to utilize this mechanism before pursuing judicial or arbitral remedies. Complaints to the Dubai Health Insurance Corporation (DHIC) must include personal details, a clear description of the issue, supporting documents, and be written in Arabic or both Arabic and English, as per Article 28 (b) of Administrative Resolution No. (78) of 2022. Patients whose claims are unjustly denied should first submit a written complaint to the insurer with medical documentation. If unresolved, they can escalate the matter to the DHA or seek independent legal advice to assess potential breaches of contractual and statutory obligations. It is crucial for patients to review their insurance policies to confirm coverage for prescribed treatments. Ashish Mehta, founder of Ashish Mehta & Associates, emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s legal rights in such scenarios.
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Dh100-million jackpot winner announced: Top 7 biggest lottery victories in the UAE
The UAE is abuzz with excitement following the announcement of its first-ever Dh100-million lottery jackpot winner. The historic event, which took place on Saturday at the UAE Lottery, has left the nation eagerly awaiting the winner’s identity. While the newest multi-millionaire remains anonymous, this monumental win has reignited interest in the country’s long history of life-changing lottery victories.
Over the years, the UAE has witnessed numerous tales of fortune and serendipity. Among the most notable is Junaid Rana, a former Pakistani driver earning less than Dh6,000 a month, who won Dh50 million in a Mahzooz live draw in October 2021. His life transformed overnight, and he now resides in Dubai with his growing family.
In January 2025, Manu Mohanan, an Indian nurse based in Bahrain, clinched a Dh30-million Big Ticket raffle. Mohanan, who had been purchasing tickets for over five years, shared the prize with 16 friends. Similarly, Mohammed Naser Balal, a Bangladeshi electrician, won Dh25 million in July 2025 after buying a ticket with a group of friends.
Other significant wins include Aravind Appukuttan, an Indian salesman from Sharjah, who took home Dh25 million in December 2024, and Tajuddin Aliyar Kunju, a 61-year-old Indian expat, who won the same amount in May 2025. Both winners shared their prizes with friends and pledged portions to charity.
The Dh20-million Big Ticket jackpot in August 2025 was claimed by Sabuj Miah Amir Hossain Dewan, a Bangladeshi tailor living in Dubai for 18 years. Jahangir Alom, another Bangladeshi, also won Dh20 million in March 2025, attributing his success to divine intervention.
Smaller yet life-changing wins include Sandeep Kumar Prasad, a 30-year-old technician from Uttar Pradesh, who won Dh15 million in September 2025, and Kathar Hussain, a car wash worker in Sharjah, who won Dh10 million in 2022.
The UAE Lottery continues to create dreams and transform lives, with each win adding to the nation’s rich tapestry of luck and fortune.
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Louvre Museum closes after theft
In a shocking incident on Sunday, the Louvre Museum in Paris fell victim to a meticulously planned robbery, prompting its immediate closure. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the theft on social media platform X, stating that the crime occurred during the museum’s opening hours. Authorities are currently investigating the heist, with no reports of injuries. According to French daily Le Parisien, the perpetrators entered the museum through its Seine-facing facade, where ongoing construction provided an opportunity for access. Using a freight elevator, they reportedly reached the Apollo Gallery, where they shattered windows and stole nine pieces from the historic jewellery collection of Napoleon and the Empress. The Apollo Gallery is renowned for its display of the French Crown Jewels, making the theft particularly significant. The Louvre, which attracts up to 30,000 visitors daily, has a storied history of thefts, including the infamous 1911 disappearance of the Mona Lisa. This latest incident underscores ongoing security challenges faced by the museum, which houses over 33,000 priceless works of art spanning ancient civilizations to European masterpieces.
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Louvre museum in Paris closed after robbery, French culture minister says
The iconic Louvre Museum in Paris has been temporarily closed following a brazen robbery that occurred on Sunday morning, as confirmed by France’s Culture Minister, Rachida Dati. The incident took place during the museum’s opening hours, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. Dati, who was present at the scene, shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), though specific details about the stolen items remain undisclosed. Reports from various French media outlets suggest that valuable jewellery was among the items taken. The Louvre, renowned as the world’s most visited museum, is home to countless priceless artworks and historical treasures. In a brief statement, the museum announced its closure ‘for exceptional reasons,’ without elaborating further. Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the theft. This developing story is expected to be updated with more information shortly. For real-time updates, the public is encouraged to follow @BBCBreaking on X or use the BBC News App.
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Final interment for Kenya’s former prime minister Odinga underway
The funeral of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a towering figure in African democracy, is taking place in his rural home under tight security. The ceremony follows violent incidents in Nairobi during earlier public viewings, which resulted in fatalities and injuries. Odinga, who passed away in India at the age of 80, is being laid to rest with full military honors alongside traditional rites, next to his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, a key figure in Kenya’s independence struggle and the nation’s first vice president. Thousands of mourners and dignitaries from across Africa have gathered to pay their respects to the man hailed as a “selfless pan-Africanist.” Despite never achieving the presidency in his five attempts, Odinga played a pivotal role in Kenya’s political landscape, brokering agreements with three presidents during periods of post-election tension. President William Ruto acknowledged Odinga’s contributions, particularly his role in stabilizing the country after a political pact earlier this year. Odinga’s legacy extends beyond Kenya, as he mediated political crises across Africa and championed democratic reforms. His influence was celebrated by global leaders, who praised his statesmanship and dedication to democracy. Odinga is survived by his wife Ida and their children Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie.
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Pope gives Venezuela reason to celebrate by canonizing its beloved ‘doctor of the poor’ as 1st saint
In a historic moment for Venezuela, Pope Leo XIV will canonize José Gregorio Hernández, the nation’s revered ‘doctor of the poor,’ on Sunday. This marks Venezuela’s first saint and brings a rare moment of celebration to a country grappling with a prolonged economic crisis and escalating tensions with the United States. The canonization ceremony, held in St. Peter’s Square, will also honor Mother Carmen Rendiles Martínez, founder of a Venezuelan religious order, and Papua New Guinea’s first saint, Peter To Rot, among others. Thousands of Venezuelans are expected to attend in Rome, while many more will gather in Caracas to watch the livestreamed event. The Vatican highlighted that Pope Francis approved Hernández’s sainthood from his hospital room, bypassing the traditional miracle confirmation process due to the widespread veneration of the ‘doctor-saint.’ Hernández, a 19th-century physician, became a national icon for his selfless care of the poor, often refusing payment and even providing funds for medicine. His tragic death in 1919 while delivering medicine to an elderly woman cemented his legacy. The canonization comes at a critical time for Venezuela, following recent geopolitical tensions and the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to opposition leader María Corina Machado. Despite the challenges, this event symbolizes hope and unity for the Venezuelan people. Other individuals being canonized include Archbishop Ignazio Choukrallah Maloyan, Sister Vincenza Maria Poloni, Maria Troncatti, and Bartolo Longo, each recognized for their profound impact on faith and society.
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Aerial circus in Brazil spotlights a path to healing for female victims of gender-based violence
In a powerful display of art and activism, performers in Niteroi, Brazil, took to the skies above a bustling beach to address the pervasive issue of violence against women. The aerial circus show, titled ‘Alone we are petals, together we are roses,’ debuted on Saturday with Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain as its backdrop. The performance, featuring six women and two men, began with a woman in a pink bodysuit strutting confidently on stilts, only to be knocked down by male artists. However, the narrative shifted as she reclaimed her strength through physical exploration and solidarity with other women, culminating in her triumphant return on even higher stilts. Rosa Caitanya Hamilton Azevedo, a 31-year-old artist and survivor of gender-based violence, played the lead role, emphasizing the resilience and empowerment that emerge from such struggles. Juliana Berti Abduch, the creator of the Suspended Circus Acrobatics project, initiated this endeavor in 2020 to combat domestic violence. The latest performance, while not a direct continuation of their 2023 show, continues to spotlight the multifaceted nature of violence against women. Berti Abduch noted that participation in the project offers healing for survivors, helping them overcome trauma and regain confidence. The performance drew approximately 100 spectators, many of whom were captivated by the striking visuals of aerial hoops, trapezes, and silks. Audience member Fabiane Curione de Medeiros described the show as impactful, stressing the importance of unity in exposing and combating violence. Alarming statistics, including the fact that a woman is raped every six minutes in Brazil, were broadcast during the performance, underscoring the urgency of the issue. Despite the heavy subject matter, the artists aimed to inspire hope and empowerment through their art, envisioning a future where women’s rights are upheld and violence is eradicated.
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Same budget, less gold: How record prices affect Dubai residents this Diwali
As Diwali celebrations commence, Dubai residents are navigating the challenges of soaring gold prices, which have significantly impacted their festive shopping traditions. The Gold Souk in Deira witnessed bustling activity on Dhanteras, a day considered auspicious for purchasing gold and silver. Despite the high prices, long queues formed outside jewelry stores as residents sought to uphold their annual ritual of buying gold during the festival of lights. However, this year, many found themselves purchasing lighter pieces or opting for designs that incorporate other metals or stones to stay within their budgets. Gold prices recently crossed Dh500 per gram, a record high that has forced shoppers to rethink their purchases. Priya Nair, a resident of Al Qusais, shared her experience of buying a small bangle for her daughter, noting that the weight of the gold she could afford was significantly less than in previous years. Similarly, Shalini Kumar from Mankhool emphasized the importance of balancing investment and aesthetics, choosing designs that offer both value and visual appeal. For many families, buying gold during Diwali is not just a tradition but also a form of investment. Jewelry stores have adapted to these changing trends by showcasing lightweight and budget-friendly designs. Priya Jayesh Gupta, a businesswoman from JLT, revealed that she had reduced the number of gold gifts this year due to the price surge. Despite the financial constraints, the cultural significance of buying gold during Diwali remains strong, with many residents viewing it as a way to usher in prosperity and good fortune for the new year.