Paul Costelloe, the renowned Irish-American fashion designer who famously dressed the late Princess Diana and became a cornerstone of the London fashion scene, has passed away at the age of 80. His company confirmed the news in a statement on Saturday, revealing that he died peacefully in London, surrounded by his wife and seven children, following a brief illness. Born in Dublin in 1945, Costelloe was the son of a tailor who crafted raincoats in the city’s Rathmines district. His journey into fashion began at the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris, where he absorbed the creative essence of iconic designers like Emanuel Ungaro and Pierre Cardin. Costelloe’s career took off as an assistant to designer Jacques Esterel, followed by a stint in Milan with British retailer Marks & Spencer. Although the venture into the Italian market faltered, he remained in Milan, working for the luxury department store La Rinascente. Later, he moved to the United States, designing for the Anne Fogarty label before establishing his own fashion house. His brand became synonymous with luxurious fabrics, innovative designs, and a diverse range of offerings, including womenswear, menswear, bags, and accessories. In 1983, Costelloe’s career reached new heights when he was appointed as Princess Diana’s personal designer, a role he held until her tragic death in 1997. The royal connection began when one of Diana’s ladies-in-waiting noticed his designs and arranged a meeting. Reflecting on the moment, Costelloe once recalled, “I looked out at Hyde Park and I said: ‘God, this is it, Paul, you have made it!’” His legacy as a designer who blended creativity with elegance continues to inspire the fashion world.
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Thousands march in Marseille to denounce drug violence after killing of activist’s brother
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Marseille, France, on Saturday to protest drug trafficking and honor Mehdi Kessaci, a 20-year-old man whose murder last week has been linked to organized crime. The killing, described by authorities as a premeditated act by drug gangs to intimidate Mehdi’s older brother, Amine Kessaci, a prominent anti-drug activist, has sparked nationwide outrage. An estimated 6,000 people, many dressed in white, marched under the banner “Justice for Mehdi,” observing a minute of silence and raising their hands in a symbolic rejection of drug-related violence. Politicians from across the spectrum joined the rally, which was mirrored in approximately 20 other cities across France. Amine Kessaci, 22, who has faced threats and is under police protection, organized the march to denounce drug trafficking and pay tribute to his brother. Mehdi, who aspired to become a police officer, had no involvement in drug-related activities, according to Marseille prosecutor Nicolas Bessone. This tragedy marks the second time Amine has lost a brother to alleged drug violence, following the death of Brahim in 2020, which inspired him to found the association Conscience to support families affected by gang violence. Marseille, a long-standing hub for drug trade, has seen escalating violence, with 367 cases of murder or attempted murder linked to drug trafficking in 2024 alone. French authorities have intensified efforts to combat the crisis, including a new anti-drug law and a government campaign to raise awareness about the connection between recreational drug use and gang violence. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez noted that these measures have reduced homicides in Marseille from 49 in 2023 to 24 in 2024, though Mehdi’s killing underscores the growing brutality of drug gangs.
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Pakistan routs Sri Lanka by 7 wickets in tri-series game
In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, Pakistan secured a resounding seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the T20 tri-series on Saturday, thanks to Sahibzada Farhan’s career-best unbeaten 80 off 45 balls. The match, held in Rawalpindi, saw Pakistan chase down Sri Lanka’s modest total of 128-7 with ease, reaching 131-3 in just 15.3 overs. Farhan’s explosive innings, which included five sixes and six boundaries, was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s dominant performance. Sri Lanka, already reeling from a 67-run loss to Zimbabwe in their opening game, continued to struggle with their batting, managing only 128 runs despite captain Dasun Shanaka’s decision to bat first after winning the toss. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz (3-16) and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed (1-28), kept the Sri Lankan batters in check, with Nawaz delivering crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. Farhan’s aggressive approach from the outset set the tone for Pakistan’s chase, as he forged a 69-run partnership with Babar Azam (16) and sealed the victory with a straight six off Malinga. Sri Lanka’s captain Shanaka expressed disappointment with his team’s performance, acknowledging the need for improvement in their batting. Pakistan, having won both their league games, will next face Zimbabwe on Sunday.
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Canada Post and union reach deal in principle to end strike
Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), representing approximately 55,000 employees, have reached a preliminary agreement to halt a nationwide strike that has severely disrupted mail services across the country. While specific details of the deal remain undisclosed, both parties confirmed that the main points of contention have been resolved, and strike activities have been suspended pending a union vote. The union emphasized that it retains the right to strike if the final collective agreement fails to meet member approval. The strike, which began on September 25, escalated into a rolling strike due to unresolved disputes over wages and benefits. Negotiations between Canada Post and CUPW have been ongoing for nearly two years, with the federal government recently authorizing significant operational changes to address the postal service’s financial struggles. These proposed measures include ending door-to-door delivery for four million households, shifting non-urgent mail to ground transportation, closing rural post offices, and granting flexibility in pricing. Canada Post reported a staggering loss of C$1 billion in 2023, with projections indicating a further loss of C$1.5 billion this year. The decline in letter mail, direct-marketing mail, and parcel mail revenues, coupled with fierce competition from private couriers, has exacerbated the financial crisis. This strike follows a similar labor dispute in November 2024, highlighting ongoing tensions between postal workers and management.
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Three arrested in India after police crack $800,000 bank heist
In a significant breakthrough, Bengaluru police have arrested three individuals connected to a high-profile ₹70 million ($800,000) robbery involving an ATM cash van. The daring heist, which occurred in broad daylight in the Lalbagh area of Bengaluru, saw armed men posing as Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officials intercept the vehicle under the guise of conducting a paperwork check. The cash custodian and two security guards were coerced into an SUV, while one of the assailants commandeered the van. Authorities have since recovered ₹57.6 million of the stolen funds and are actively pursuing the remaining amount. The arrested suspects include Gopal Prasad, an employee of cash transport company CMS, J Xavier, a former CMS worker, and Annappa Naik, a local police constable. The gang reportedly used fake registration plates and strategically chose locations with minimal CCTV coverage to transfer the cash. A massive manhunt involving over 200 officers across Karnataka and neighboring states was launched, leading to the arrests. Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh emphasized the need for cash transport companies to avoid predictable routes and timings to prevent such incidents. Investigations are also underway to determine if CMS violated cash transfer guidelines.
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UAE President begins visit to Bahrain; King Hamad welcomes Sheikh Mohamed at Sakhir Air Base
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan embarked on a significant working visit to Bahrain on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Upon his arrival at Sakhir Air Base, he was warmly received by Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, accompanied by senior officials and members of the royal family. This visit underscores the strengthening bilateral ties between the two Gulf nations. Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, as well as Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior. The visit is expected to focus on enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including defense, economy, and regional security. This diplomatic engagement highlights the UAE’s commitment to fostering regional stability and collaboration.
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Trump meets with NYC mayor-elect
In a significant political development, US President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani convened at the White House on November 21, 2025. The meeting, held in the Oval Office, marked a notable shift from the previously strained relations between the two leaders. Both Trump and Mamdani described their discussions as productive, focusing on collaborative efforts to enhance the quality of life in New York City, the nation’s largest metropolis. Trump expressed his support for Mamdani’s success, stating, ‘The better he does, the happier I am.’ Mamdani, on his part, emphasized his commitment to tackling the affordability crisis in one of the country’s most expensive cities. This cordial exchange starkly contrasts with the animosity that characterized their interactions earlier in the year. In July 2025, Trump had threatened to arrest Mamdani if he interfered with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, following Mamdani’s pledge to protect undocumented immigrants in New York. Mamdani’s historic election as the first Muslim mayor of New York City on November 4, 2025, underscores the evolving political landscape and the potential for renewed cooperation between local and federal leadership.
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UAE: Where to watch the 54th Eid Al Etihad ceremony
As the UAE gears up for its 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, the nation is abuzz with anticipation for the grand festivities marking its National Day. Scheduled for December 2, 2025, this year’s theme, ‘United,’ underscores the spirit of unity, belonging, and national pride that defines the UAE. The celebrations will span all seven emirates, offering a diverse array of activities, community events, and experiences designed to bring people together. The Eid Al Etihad team has curated detailed Celebration Guides available on their official website, providing inspiration and suggestions for engaging activities. Additionally, an official playlist on the Eid Al Etihad YouTube channel adds a musical touch to the festivities, featuring songs that evoke joy and pride. The official ceremony will be broadcast live at various locations across the emirates, including Khalifa City and Al Falah City in Abu Dhabi, Al Khawaneej and The Global Village in Dubai, and Al Siyouh Park in Sharjah, among others. These gatherings aim to foster a sense of community and shared celebration, inviting everyone who calls the UAE home to partake in this national occasion.
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Serbians mark anniversary of pro-government violence that spawned student strikes
Thousands of demonstrators in Belgrade, Serbia, defied cold and rainy weather on Saturday to participate in a march condemning violence against university students and challenging the autocratic governance of President Aleksandar Vucic. The protest marked the anniversary of a violent attack on drama students by pro-government supporters, which ignited widespread faculty blockades and daily rallies across the nation.
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Why this is England’s worst defeat in Australia in years
In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, Australia handed England a crushing defeat in the first Ashes Test at Perth Stadium, marking England’s worst Test loss in Australia in years. The match, which concluded in just two days, was the shortest Ashes Test since 1921, leaving English supporters reeling. Travis Head’s exceptional innings dismantled England’s attack, turning the tide in Australia’s favor. Despite England’s initial advantage, they collapsed spectacularly, losing by eight wickets. This defeat not only highlights England’s recurring struggles in Australia but also underscores Australia’s dominance in the Ashes series. The hosts now head to Brisbane for the second Test, where their formidable record in day-night matches poses a significant challenge for England. As England contemplates their next steps, questions linger about their ability to recover and compete in the remaining matches.