In a dramatic turn of events, Philippine Senator Imee Marcos, the estranged sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., publicly accused him on Monday of being a long-term drug addict. She claimed his alleged cocaine dependence has led to governance issues, including widespread corruption. These allegations, however, were swiftly dismissed by the president’s spokesperson, Claire Castro, who labeled them as recycled and baseless. Castro suggested that Senator Marcos’ accusations might be a desperate attempt to divert attention from ongoing investigations into a corruption scandal involving flood control projects, which could implicate her allies in the Senate. Castro urged the senator to support the president’s anti-corruption efforts rather than shielding those under scrutiny. The scandal, which has sparked public outrage, involves allegations that influential members of Congress and the Senate received kickbacks from construction companies awarded lucrative contracts for substandard or incomplete flood-control projects. This issue is particularly sensitive in the Philippines, a country frequently ravaged by deadly floods and typhoons. Senator Marcos, a high-profile ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, a vocal critic of Marcos Jr., made the accusations during a speech at a rally organized by a religious group in Manila. She claimed the president’s drug addiction began during their father’s presidency and has persisted, affecting his health and governance. She also alleged that the president’s wife and children are drug users, though no evidence was provided. The senator’s relationship with her brother has reportedly been strained since he assumed the presidency in 2022. In response to the senator’s claims, Castro criticized her for not addressing Duterte’s past admission of using fentanyl, a powerful opioid, and his alleged links to corruption. The political tension between the Marcos and Duterte families continues to escalate, with Vice President Sara Duterte, Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter, being one of the most vocal critics of the current administration. The accusations and counter-accusations highlight the deepening political divide in the Philippines, as the nation grapples with corruption and governance challenges.
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What to know about abductions of schoolchildren in Nigeria
In a troubling development, Nigeria has reported yet another abduction of schoolchildren in its volatile northern region, specifically in Kebbi state. The perpetrators of this latest incident remain unidentified, but it underscores the persistent insecurity plaguing Africa’s most populous nation. This pattern of kidnappings, which has become a grim hallmark of Nigeria’s northern crisis, has affected both children and adults, transcending religious and ethnic divides. The notorious Boko Haram insurgency, responsible for the mass abduction of 276 Chibok schoolgirls in 2014, has been a significant player in this crisis. However, other armed groups, including bandits motivated by financial gain, have also been active. Since the Chibok tragedy, over 1,500 students have been abducted, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of educational institutions in the region. Boko Haram, which seeks to impose an Islamic state and rejects Western education, has seen a resurgence this year, with many of its fighters now aligned with an Islamic State affiliate. These groups continue to recruit vulnerable youth in a region where Nigerian authorities and humanitarian organizations struggle to maintain safety. Meanwhile, bandits, often former herders turned armed militants, target schools for ransom, exploiting the under-policed and vast landscape. The U.S.-backed Africa Center for Strategic Studies has noted that these bandits are responsible for a significant number of deaths in the northwest, rivaling the impact of Boko Haram and its affiliates in the northeast. Despite military efforts, including airstrikes and special operations, Islamic extremists have repeatedly overrun military outposts and raided civilian communities. In response to the escalating crisis, President Bola Tinubu recently replaced Nigeria’s security chiefs, and the U.S. government approved a $346 million arms sale to bolster Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts. However, the situation remains dire, with growing concerns about the links between bandits and militant groups, further complicating the security landscape.
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Pope could soon decide fate of Spain bishop accused of abuse, under investigation by church
In a significant development within the Spanish Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV is reportedly considering the resignation of Bishop Rafael Zornoza of Cádiz, who is currently under investigation for alleged sexual abuse of a young seminarian in the 1990s. The announcement was made by Archbishop Luis Javier Argüello García, head of the Spanish Catholic Bishops Conference, during a press briefing in St. Peter’s Square on Monday. The case marks the first publicly known investigation of a Spanish bishop accused of abuse, as the church grapples with its history of misconduct and cover-ups. The diocese of Cádiz has denied the allegations but confirmed that a canonical investigation is underway by the church court in Madrid, known as the Rota. Bishop Zornoza, 76, who is battling an aggressive form of cancer, has temporarily suspended his duties to cooperate with the investigation. The accusations, which date back nearly three decades, involve claims that Zornoza abused a former seminarian from the ages of 14 to 21 while serving as a priest and director of the diocesan seminary in Getafe. The victim’s letter to the Vatican detailed disturbing accounts of abuse, including inappropriate physical contact and psychological manipulation. Archbishop Argüello emphasized the importance of both the victim’s right to come forward and the presumption of innocence for the accused. Zornoza had previously offered his resignation upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, but it was not immediately accepted. The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of abuse within the Spanish Catholic Church, which has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years. In 2023, Spain’s first official probe into church abuse suggested that the number of victims could be in the hundreds of thousands. The Spanish Catholic bishops have since launched a compensation plan for victims, following government pressure to address the crisis.
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Honey Singh on the rise: Indian rapper is back with a global tour and renewed life
In celebration of the 54th Eid Al Etihad, the Sharjah government has announced a five-day paid holiday for its employees. The holiday, which underscores the UAE’s commitment to honoring national unity and cultural heritage, will allow workers to fully participate in the festivities. Additionally, the UAE Ministry of Education has declared a holiday for both public and private schools, ensuring that students and educators alike can join in the commemorations. This move reflects the nation’s emphasis on fostering a sense of community and shared identity during this significant occasion. The holiday period is expected to boost local tourism and family gatherings, further enhancing the festive spirit across the Emirates.
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UAE golf courses celebrate big wins at 2025 World Golf Awards in Madeira
The 12th edition of the World Golf Awards, held in Madeira, highlighted the UAE’s growing prominence as a global golfing hub. The event, which has been a benchmark for excellence in the golf industry since its inception in 2014, celebrated the UAE’s top courses, clubs, and tourism partners. This year’s awards underscored the nation’s transformation of golf into a cornerstone of its sports, tourism, and lifestyle identity. Trump International Golf Club Dubai was named the Middle East’s Best Golf Course, while Dubai claimed the title of the Middle East’s Best Golf Destination. Other notable UAE winners included Al Dhannah Golf Club in Abu Dhabi for the Middle East’s Best Nine-Hole Golf Course, Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah for the Middle East’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility, and Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman for the Middle East’s Best Clubhouse. The UAE also secured several regional awards, including Best Golf Course for The Els Club in Dubai, Best In-Bound Golf Tour Operator for Arabian Oryx Travel & Tourism, and Best Golf Hotel for St. Regis Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. Sir Nick Faldo, a six-time major champion, was honored as Golf Designer of the Year, reflecting his ongoing contributions to the sport. Chris Frost, Managing Director of the World Golf Awards, praised the 2025 winners for their innovation and excellence, noting the growing global influence of golf tourism. The UAE’s success at the awards is a testament to its commitment to sustainability, world-class course design, and a thriving tournament calendar, solidifying its position as a leading golf destination.
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National Day holiday: UAE announces 4-day Eid Al Etihad break for public sector
In celebration of the 54th Eid Al Etihad, the Sharjah government has announced a five-day paid holiday for its employees, marking a significant gesture of appreciation and recognition of the national occasion. The holiday period is set to provide government workers with an extended break to partake in festivities and spend quality time with their families. Simultaneously, the UAE Ministry of Education has declared a nationwide holiday for both public and private schools, ensuring that students and educators alike can join in the commemorative activities. This dual announcement underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering a sense of unity and national pride among its citizens. The 54th Eid Al Etihad, which commemorates the unification of the Emirates, holds profound historical and cultural significance, and the extended holiday period is expected to enhance public participation in the celebrations. The decision reflects the government’s dedication to promoting work-life balance and acknowledging the importance of national milestones in shaping the country’s identity.
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Single father’s egg-fried rice stall becomes campus hit in Jilin
A modest egg-fried rice stall near Jilin Normal University in Siping, Jilin province, has recently become a sensation among students. The stall, run by middle-aged single father Li Bin, has garnered attention for its delicious and affordable offerings. Li, who prepares the dish with the same care he would for his own daughter, emphasizes the importance of providing quality food to the students. His dedication and culinary skills have turned the stall into a beloved campus hotspot. The heartwarming story of Li’s commitment to his craft and his customers has resonated widely, showcasing the impact of small businesses in fostering community connections.
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Qilihai Wetland records highs in migratory bird species and population
The Qilihai Wetland in Tianjin’s Ninghe district has witnessed a remarkable increase in both the diversity and population of migratory birds this year, according to local authorities. Monitoring data reveals that 308 bird species have been recorded so far, marking a significant rise of 50 species compared to 2021. Among the notable observations, over 3,000 Eurasian spoonbills were spotted during their autumn migration, doubling the typical count. Additionally, rare species such as the Oriental white stork and black-winged stilt were seen in unusually large numbers. Experts predict that the total number of migratory birds visiting the wetland this year will surpass 600,000. Situated along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, the Qilihai Wetland is a critical stopover for migratory birds, offering a rich ecosystem of 183 wild plant species and 47 wild fish species that provide ample food resources. This surge in bird activity underscores the wetland’s ecological importance and its role in supporting biodiversity.
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Over 50,000 Taiwan compatriots fought against Japanese invaders on mainland
During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945), more than 50,000 Taiwanese compatriots made the courageous decision to travel to mainland China to join the fight against Japanese invaders. This significant movement was driven by their realization that the nation’s victory was the only path to liberate Taiwan from Japanese colonial rule and achieve reunification with the motherland. The Taiwanese fighters played a crucial role on the front lines, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the cause of national sovereignty and unity. Their participation not only highlighted the shared struggle between Taiwan and mainland China but also underscored the deep historical ties that bind the two regions. This chapter of history remains a testament to the resilience and solidarity of the Chinese people in the face of foreign aggression.
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Dubai: Rolex sells for record-breaking $4.7 million; 9th most expensive in history
A historic Rolex Reference 4113, one of the rarest timepieces ever produced, has been sold for a staggering $4.7 million at an auction hosted by FutureGrail at the Bvlgari Yacht Club in Dubai. This sale marks the watch as the ninth most expensive Rolex in history, surpassing the previous record for the same model by over $1.2 million. Crafted in the 1940s, only 12 units of the Rolex Reference 4113 were ever made, with just nine known to have survived to this day. It is the only ‘split-seconds’ vintage chronograph ever produced by Rolex, adding to its exclusivity and allure. The watch has a strong connection to motor racing, having been owned by drivers and team owners over the decades. FutureGrail, a Singapore-based luxury auction house, organized the sale and is expanding its operations to the UAE in 2026 to meet growing demand in the Middle East. Ali Nael, CEO of FutureGrail, described the sale as a landmark event in auction history, highlighting the global appetite for rare luxury watches. Arnaud Tellier, Head of Curation at FutureGrail, emphasized the increasing interest from collectors and investors who view such items as valuable additions to their portfolios. This record-breaking sale underscores Dubai’s position as a hub for high-end auctions and luxury markets.