As the UAE prepares for its first-term central examinations commencing on November 20, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has emphasized the critical importance of maintaining academic integrity. The MoE has reiterated its commitment to fairness and honesty in national assessments by reinforcing the ‘Guide to Combating Cheating and Exam Misconduct.’ This guide outlines strict rules and penalties to ensure a level playing field for all students, teachers, and school staff. The document underscores the principles of fairness, honesty, and equal opportunity, while holding all parties accountable for any violations. The MoE’s reminder comes at a crucial time, as schools, students, and parents gear up for the upcoming exams. The guide is backed by Federal Law No. 33 of 2023, which treats cheating as a legal offence, reflecting the UAE’s serious stance on educational integrity. Schools are required to disseminate the guide, conduct awareness programs, and form internal supervisory committees to monitor exams. Random inspection visits by education authorities will ensure compliance. Penalties for cheating include zero marks in the subject, a 12-point deduction from conduct scores, and, in severe cases, referral to behavioral rehabilitation programs. Teachers and staff who aid in cheating face fines up to Dh200,000 and administrative penalties. The MoE urges students to take pride in honest effort and encourages parents to model values of integrity at home. Academic integrity, the MoE stresses, is foundational to learning, personal growth, and the credibility of the UAE’s education system.
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Xi inspects Meizhou in South China’s Guangdong province
On November 7, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, conducted an inspection tour of Meizhou city in Guangdong province. During his visit, President Xi explored the Ye Jianying Memorial Park, a site dedicated to commemorating the revolutionary legacy of Marshal Ye Jianying, a prominent military leader in Chinese history. Xi emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting revolutionary culture as a cornerstone of national identity and historical continuity. Additionally, he visited a local pomelo growing base, where he gained insights into the region’s agricultural advancements and efforts to achieve comprehensive rural revitalization. Xi’s visit underscored the government’s commitment to supporting old revolutionary base areas and fostering sustainable development in rural communities. The inspection highlighted the integration of cultural heritage with modern economic strategies to drive progress in Guangdong province.
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‘We had to create a human chain to evacuate’ – Jamaican hospital rebuilds after hurricane
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa continues to unfold in Falmouth, Jamaica, where the historic town remains partially submerged in stagnant, sewage-laden water. The storm, a Category 5 hurricane, wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The regional hospital, situated on a low-lying road, was among the hardest hit, with floodwaters inundating its lower levels and causing significant damage to infrastructure, including the boiler room and ward roofs. Donna-Marie Hamilton-Wallace, the head of nursing, recounted the harrowing experience of evacuating patients and staff during the storm surge, describing it as both terrifying and miraculous that everyone survived. Ten days post-hurricane, recovery efforts are slowly gaining momentum. The Royal Navy, alongside local workers and international aid teams, is spearheading the cleanup, tackling the daunting task of restoring essential services. HMS Trent, a Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel, has been deployed to assist, with Marine Engineer Naomi Pearmine playing a crucial role in getting the hospital’s boiler operational. Machelle Stubbs, the chief medical officer, emphasized the critical need for external support, as many staff members continue to work tirelessly despite personal challenges. Keriesa Bell Cummings, the hospital’s CEO, has been coordinating relief efforts, rallying support from both local and international sources. While communications remain patchy, there is a growing sense of hope as aid and resources begin to arrive, marking a gradual return to normalcy for the resilient community.
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Conservatives accuse Canada’s Carney of being ‘undemocratic’ as MP resigns
The Canadian political landscape has been thrown into disarray as allegations of undemocratic practices and internal instability plague the Conservative opposition. Matt Jeneroux, a Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) from Alberta, announced his resignation on Thursday, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. However, rumors had previously circulated suggesting he might defect to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party. Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer accused Carney of employing ‘Liberal pressure tactics’ to sway MPs, following Jeneroux’s departure and the earlier defection of another Conservative MP, Chris d’Entremont, to the Liberals. Scheer condemned Carney’s alleged attempts to secure a parliamentary majority through ‘backroom deals and pressure tactics,’ dismissing media reports of meetings between Jeneroux and Carney’s office prior to the resignation. Jeneroux later clarified that his decision was voluntary and not influenced by coercion, emphasizing his commitment to family. Meanwhile, d’Entremont expressed frustration with the Conservative Party’s leadership under Pierre Poilievre, describing it as ‘negative’ and claiming others in the party share his sentiments. Poilievre, who faces a leadership review in January, has been criticized for his combative style, which some blame for the Conservatives’ recent electoral losses. Amid this partisan drama, the Carney government is navigating the passage of its first budget, which requires support from other parties due to the Liberals’ lack of a majority. Failure to pass the budget could trigger a federal election, with lawmakers set to vote in mid-November.
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Philippines risks creating trouble for itself: China’s defense ministry
China has issued a stern warning to the Philippines, urging it to cease actions that could escalate tensions in the South China Sea. Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, emphasized that such provocations could lead to self-inflicted consequences for the Philippines. Jiang highlighted that defense and security cooperation between nations should not target third parties or undermine regional peace and stability. He criticized the Philippines for its frequent infringements and provocations, often in collaboration with external forces, which he identified as the primary cause of the current tensions. Jiang reiterated China’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, rejecting any unfounded accusations or exaggerated claims. He called on the Philippines to stop undermining regional efforts for peace and development, warning that continued provocations would only result in greater repercussions.
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‘Nestflix’: the peregrine falcon livestream that has Australians glued to their screens
Since late August, tens of thousands of Australians have been captivated by ‘Nest-flix,’ a 24-hour reality channel showcasing the dramatic lives of peregrine falcons nesting atop a Melbourne skyscraper. This avian saga, often likened to ‘Game of Thrones,’ features airborne battles, courtship rituals, births, and even the occasional earthquake. The stars of the show are the falcons themselves, whose lives unfold 34 storeys above the bustling city streets. Currently, viewers are eagerly awaiting the moment when this year’s chicks, hatched in late September, take their first flight. Dr. Victor Hurley, founder of the Victorian Peregrine Project, explains that the mother falcon teases her chicks by flying past with prey, encouraging them to take the plunge. ‘She’s essentially saying, ‘You wanna eat? Well, you gotta fly,’ he remarks. This deliberate reduction in food helps the chicks develop the strength and agility needed for their first flight. The story of these falcons began in 1991 when Dr. Hurley discovered their nesting site on an office building at 367 Collins Street. Initially, the falcons struggled due to their eggs being laid in a metal gutter, which acted as a heat sink. Dr. Hurley recommended installing a nest box, which led to the successful hatching of three chicks the following year. In 1993, a CCTV camera was installed to observe the nest, and in 2017, a webcam was added, allowing ‘Nest-flix’ to be broadcast live on YouTube. The falcons’ Facebook fan page has since amassed over 50,000 members, creating a supportive online community. Kylie Humrick, a moderator of the group, notes that the page exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering people a sense of connection to the natural world. Over the years, the nest has been home to six or seven different pairs of falcons, each fiercely territorial. The site is highly prized for its abundant food supply, including pigeons and sparrows. However, this desirability has led to dramatic conflicts, with ‘floaters’—unpaired falcons—attempting to claim the territory. In 2022, a male falcon was replaced by a younger bird after a weeks-long battle, and in 2023, the resident female sustained brain damage after a fight with another female. Despite these challenges, the falcons continue to thrive, symbolizing resilience in the urban environment. The chicks are expected to fledge soon, marking a significant milestone in their lives. Dr. Hurley hopes they take their time, as a rushed first flight could lead to accidents. Once they make their first kill, they will be on their own, potentially chased out of the territory by their parents. With a 60% mortality rate in the first year, life is tough for young peregrine falcons. Yet, those that survive can begin breeding at three years old, continuing the cycle of life. As the fledging approaches, excitement builds among the online community, with many eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this high-flying urban drama.
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Panache, parades and power: Africa’s top shots
This week, Africa showcased a vibrant tapestry of events, blending culture, politics, and sports. In Mogadishu, Somalia, locals sought respite from the scorching heat by plunging into the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, Egypt buzzed with anticipation as the Grand Egyptian Museum prepared for its grand opening near the iconic Pyramids. Nigeria’s Lagos Fashion Week turned heads with Bubu Ogisi’s bold blue designs, while further north in Kwara State, brides-to-be readied themselves for the annual Awon mass wedding. Sports took center stage in Morocco as Chad triumphed over Tunisia in the Fifa Unites women’s football series. South Africa’s Cape Town hosted a spooky yet charitable Zombie Walk, complete with Halloween costumes. In Kenya, Rastafarian faithful celebrated the 95th anniversary of Haile Selassie’s coronation, while Senegal’s Fadiouth marked All Saint’s Day with a solemn procession to a local cemetery. Western Sahara saw crowds commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Green March, a pivotal moment in the region’s history. Zanzibar rehearsed for its presidential inauguration, while Tanzania mourned the loss of a young opposition leader amid political tensions. Guinea’s military ruler, Gen Mamadi Doumbouya, broke his promise to transition to civilian rule by submitting his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election. Finally, Senegal’s Dakar witnessed the breathtaking rise of the Beaver supermoon, capping off a week of diverse and dynamic events across the continent.
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Kuwait Airways flight bound for Philippines faces technical glitch before takeoff
A Kuwait Airways flight scheduled to depart for the Philippines encountered a technical issue early Friday morning, delaying its takeoff. The incident occurred at 4:24 am at Kuwait International Airport when the aircraft experienced a sudden malfunction in its braking system while taxiing. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the incident in a press release, assuring that no injuries were reported among the 284 passengers or crew members. DGCA spokesperson Abdullah Al-Rajhi stated that the minor damage was confined to the aircraft’s fuselage. Immediate action was taken by technical authorities to secure the plane and conduct thorough safety inspections. Passengers were accommodated on an alternative flight, which departed at 12:20 pm. Al-Rajhi emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew remains the top priority for both the DGCA and Kuwait Airways, and such incidents are managed with the highest air safety standards.
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Trump pardons ex-NYPD officer who was convicted of helping China stalk an expat
In a significant move, former President Donald Trump granted a pardon on Friday to Michael McMahon, a former New York police sergeant convicted for his involvement in a high-profile case tied to China’s alleged efforts to silence critics abroad. McMahon, 58, was sentenced to 18 months in prison earlier this year for acting as an illegal foreign agent and stalking, charges stemming from what federal authorities described as a ‘campaign of transnational repression.’ McMahon maintained his innocence, claiming he was misled into believing he was working for a Chinese construction company rather than the government. A White House official, speaking anonymously, supported McMahon’s assertion, highlighting his decorated 14-year NYPD career before a 2001 injury forced his retirement. McMahon’s attorney, Lawrence Lustberg, hailed the pardon as a correction of a ‘horrible injustice,’ emphasizing that McMahon was a ‘true hero cop’ who should have been celebrated, not prosecuted. The case, part of China’s ‘Operation Fox Hunt’ initiative, centered on Xu Jin, a former Chinese city official who fled to New Jersey in 2010. Xu and his wife were accused of bribery by Chinese authorities, which they denied, alleging political persecution. McMahon’s role included locating Xu through surveillance and database searches, though he claimed he was unaware his actions would be used to intimidate Xu. The campaign against Xu included disparaging messages to his daughter’s friends, letters to relatives, and a visit from his elderly father, culminating in a threatening note left at Xu’s home. The pardon has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters like U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler praising the decision, while federal prosecutors declined to comment.
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USDA will fund Snap food benefits, feeding millions of Americans
After weeks of uncertainty and legal disputes, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Friday its commitment to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap), ensuring food benefits for over 42 million Americans. This decision comes amidst the longest government shutdown in US history, now in its 38th day. The funding for Snap, commonly known as food stamps, had been a contentious issue, with a judge previously mandating the Trump administration to utilize contingency funds to support the program. However, these funds were insufficient to cover the program’s nearly $9 billion monthly cost. On Thursday, another judge ruled that the administration must fully fund Snap, leading to the USDA’s confirmation of full funding. Judge John McConnell accused the administration of withholding food aid for political reasons, highlighting the immediate risk of hunger for 16 million children without the program. Despite the administration’s legal challenge to this ruling, the USDA’s agreement to pay full Snap benefits suggests a resolution to this critical issue. President Trump has repeatedly linked Snap funding to the end of the government shutdown, emphasizing its use in Democrat states. Snap, which costs approximately $8 billion per month, provides reloadable debit cards to low-income Americans, enabling them to purchase groceries. On average, a family of four receives $715 per month, equating to less than $6 per day per person. While individual states administer the benefits, the program relies on federal funding, which has been suspended since the government shutdown began on October 1.