The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) hosted a vibrant torch relay for China’s 15th National Games on November 2, 2025, marking a historic moment for the city. The event, filled with festive spirit and pride, saw the flame traverse iconic landmarks across the Macao Peninsula. The relay commenced at the Macao SAR government headquarters, where Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai lit the first torch and passed it to Li Yi, a celebrated athlete who secured a gold medal in women’s changquan at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. The 2.6-kilometer route included stops at several renowned sites, culminating at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ruins of St. Paul’s. A total of 50 torchbearers participated, with the final leg carried by Kuok Kin-hang, Macao’s first-ever National Games medalist in men’s karate. Kuok ignited the ceremonial cauldron amidst cheers, describing the experience as a lifelong honor. This year’s relay was particularly significant as it marked the first cross-boundary torch relay in the history of the National Games, simultaneously held in Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also showcased Macao’s cultural heritage and unity with the mainland.
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Fears grow for thousands trapped in Sudan’s el-Fasher as few reach safety
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has escalated dramatically following the capture of el-Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group. The city, besieged for 18 months, fell to the RSF last week, displacing tens of thousands of civilians and leaving many trapped in dire conditions. Reports of atrocities, including killings, sexual assaults, and beatings, have emerged from survivors and aid workers. The World Health Organization confirmed at least 460 deaths in a hospital during the violence. The UN migration agency estimates over 8,000 people fled el-Fasher in just two days, with a total of 70,894 displaced since the RSF takeover. However, fewer than 6,000 have reached the nearest camp in Tawila, 65 kilometers away, according to Shashwat Saraf, Sudan director for the Norwegian Refugee Council. Survivors recount harrowing escapes, dodging gunfire and arriving at camps disoriented and dehydrated. Around 170 unaccompanied children, some as young as three, have also reached Tawila, unsure of their families’ whereabouts. Sudan’s ambassador in Cairo, Imadeldin Mustafa Adawi, accused the RSF of war crimes and urged the international community to designate the group as a terrorist organization. He also reiterated accusations against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for allegedly arming the RSF, a claim the UAE denies. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has killed over 40,000 people and displaced more than 14 million, with fears of further RSF expansion into central Sudan.
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Kenyan landslide death toll rises to 26 as flash floods hamper search for survivors
The devastating landslide in western Kenya has claimed 26 lives, with four additional bodies recovered on Sunday. Rescue operations were abruptly suspended due to sudden flash floods, complicating efforts to locate the 25 individuals still missing. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the government has escalated the search mission, deploying four military aircraft to access the isolated area, where roads were obliterated by the landslide on Saturday. The Chesongoch area in Kenya’s Rift Valley region, already grappling with the disaster, faced further challenges as flash floods forced search teams to abandon the site. Heavy rains persist across Kenya, triggering widespread flooding in multiple counties and displacing thousands of residents. Authorities have issued urgent warnings for those in flood- and landslide-prone areas to evacuate, as the relentless rainfall shows no signs of abating. The government has pledged to airlift essential supplies to affected communities, including 15 schools cut off by the disaster, and ensure the delivery of national examination papers to candidates. Additionally, medical expenses for over 30 injured individuals will be covered, and resettlement efforts are underway for those who lost their homes. Oscar Okum, regional manager for the Kenya Red Cross, emphasized the ongoing risk of landslides in the Rift Valley area, urging residents to relocate to safer grounds to protect their lives and livelihoods.
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Louvre heist carried out by petty criminals, prosecutor says
In a shocking revelation, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau disclosed that the recent €88 million jewellery heist at the Louvre Museum was orchestrated by local petty criminals rather than seasoned organised crime syndicates. Speaking to franceinfo radio, Beccuau emphasised that the four individuals arrested—three men and a woman—were residents of Seine-Saint-Denis, a deprived area north of Paris. Among the stolen items were the Marie-Louise necklace, a pair of earrings, and a tiara once worn by Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III. The suspects, who arrived at the museum just after opening hours, used a stolen mechanical lift to access the Galerie d’Apollon via a balcony. Armed with a disc cutter, they swiftly broke into display cases, making off with the jewels in just four minutes. Although one crown was dropped during the escape, the remaining seven items remain missing, with fears they may have been smuggled abroad. In response, the Louvre has heightened security and relocated some of its most valuable pieces to the Bank of France.
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‘We have no idea what lies ahead’: Aid struggles to reach Jamaican towns devastated by hurricane
Five days after Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm in Jamaica’s modern history, ravaged the island with sustained winds of 185 mph (297 km/h), the coastal communities of Westmoreland Parish remain in ruins. Residents are stranded, with blocked roads, no electricity, running water, or access to food, and little hope of immediate relief. The death toll has risen to at least 28, with fears it could climb further as rescue teams reach more isolated areas. Westmoreland and St Elizabeth parishes, where the storm’s eye struck, are among the hardest hit, with 90% of homes in St Elizabeth destroyed. The devastation is evident in the landscape: roads are littered with debris, trees lie splintered, and buildings are reduced to rubble. Local official Dr. Dayton Campbell confirmed 10 deaths in Westmoreland alone. Amid the chaos, residents like Gary Williams and Roy Perry express frustration and despair, having lost everything. Williams, sitting in front of his roofless home, said, ‘They no turn up,’ referring to promised aid. Perry, who lost his livelihood, remains hopeful, saying, ‘We have to just keep the faith.’ The Jamaican government, criticized for its slow response, has deployed over 200 StarLink devices to restore internet access. Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the priority of clearing debris, restoring essential services, and delivering food and medical supplies. Meanwhile, foreign aid has begun to arrive, with the US Disaster Assistance Response Team on the ground and countries like the UK pledging millions in relief funds. Despite the overwhelming destruction, the resilience of the Jamaican people shines through. Farmer Oreth Jones, who lost his farm, said, ‘We have to give God thanks we’re alive.’ As the island begins its long road to recovery, the spirit of hope and determination remains unbroken.
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Three killed in latest US strike on alleged drug boat in Caribbean
In a recent development, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed that three individuals were killed in a US military strike targeting an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, is part of a broader campaign initiated by the Trump administration to combat drug trafficking into the United States. Since September, these strikes have sparked significant controversy, with experts questioning their legality under international law and Latin American leaders condemning the actions as violations of human rights.
Hegseth claimed the targeted boat was operated by a designated terrorist organization and was navigating international waters along a known drug-smuggling route. However, he provided no concrete evidence to substantiate these allegations. The announcement was accompanied by a video purportedly showing the vessel being struck, though the footage was grainy and lacked clarity.
The Trump administration has defended the strikes as necessary measures against ‘narco-terrorists,’ particularly those linked to Venezuela. Critics, however, argue that the operations are politically motivated, aimed at exerting pressure on governments in the region, such as those of Colombia and Venezuela, which have been at odds with US policies. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has labeled the attacks as ‘murder,’ while Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro accused the US of fabricating a war.
The US has intensified its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying warships, fighter jets, and drones, ostensibly to curb drug trafficking. However, military analysts suggest the scale of the deployment exceeds what is necessary for such operations. The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Turk, has condemned the strikes, stating they violate international human rights law and result in an unacceptable loss of life.
Domestically, the legality of the strikes has also been questioned, with some US lawmakers arguing that congressional approval is required. Despite these concerns, the Trump administration has maintained its stance, threatening further military action in the region.
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What to know as Nigeria rejects US military threat over alleged Christian killings
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian government has firmly rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of potential military intervention in the country over claims of Christian persecution. Daniel Bwala, a spokesman for Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, stated that such unilateral action by the U.S. is unacceptable, emphasizing Nigeria’s sovereignty and the need for bilateral agreement on any military operations. Bwala dismissed Trump’s allegations as misleading, suggesting they are part of his confrontational approach to force dialogue. Trump’s comments, made on social media, threatened to halt U.S. aid and potentially launch military action against Nigeria, citing alleged atrocities against Christians. He also designated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ for religious freedom violations. However, Nigerian officials and experts argue that the violence in Nigeria is not religiously motivated but stems from complex security crises affecting both Christians and Muslims. Boko Haram insurgents and armed gangs are the primary perpetrators, with victims often determined by geography rather than faith. President Tinubu has pledged to enhance cooperation with international partners to protect all communities, while critics highlight the government’s failure to address insecurity decisively, creating opportunities for external interference.
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‘King’ teaser: Shah Rukh Khan revels in his dark transformation
The much-anticipated teaser for Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film ‘King’ was unveiled on November 2, 2025, coinciding with the Bollywood superstar’s birthday. Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures, the film marks Khan’s second collaboration with director Siddharth Anand, following their successful venture ‘Pathaan’. The teaser showcases a dramatic transformation of Khan, presenting him in a darker, more intense avatar than ever before. Sporting silver hair, sharp expressions, and a brooding demeanor, Khan embodies a ruthless and enigmatic character. One of the most striking moments in the teaser is a chilling line delivered by Khan, accompanied by a subtle nod to his iconic title as the ‘King of Hearts’—a card he holds in one scene. The teaser, shared across social media platforms, has garnered an overwhelming response from fans, who have flooded the comment sections with excitement and admiration. Described as Siddharth Anand’s ‘biggest mass action film yet’, ‘King’ promises to deliver larger-than-life stunts, grand scale, and compelling storytelling. The film is slated for release in 2026, and fans are eagerly awaiting what could be one of the most significant films of Khan’s career.
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Korean actor, idol Taecyeon announces marriage to ‘non-celebrity’ girlfriend
South Korean actor and K-pop idol Ok Taecyeon has officially announced his upcoming marriage to his longtime non-celebrity girlfriend. The news was confirmed by his agency, 51K, on November 1, 2025. The wedding is scheduled to take place in Seoul next spring, though the exact date and venue remain undisclosed. The ceremony will be an intimate affair, attended only by close friends and family members.
Taecyeon, a member of the renowned K-pop group 2PM, shared the news with his fans through a heartfelt handwritten letter posted on Instagram. In the letter, he expressed gratitude to his supporters for their unwavering encouragement throughout his career, which began when he debuted at the age of 19. He also revealed his commitment to his partner, stating, ‘I have promised to spend the rest of my life with one person who has understood and trusted me for a long time.’
The actor assured fans that he will continue his activities as both a musician and an actor, emphasizing his dedication to his craft. He also urged fans to take care of their health as the weather turns colder.
Rumors of an engagement had previously surfaced when photos of Taecyeon kneeling in front of his girlfriend in Paris circulated online. Although the images were later deleted and dismissed by his agency as part of a birthday celebration, fans speculated otherwise due to the presence of a diamond ring in the photos.
Taecyeon, who debuted with 2PM under JYP Entertainment, has since established himself as a versatile actor, starring in popular dramas such as ‘Vincenzo’ and ‘Bring It On, Ghost.’ His agency first confirmed his relationship in 2020 but has maintained privacy regarding his partner’s identity, respecting her status as a non-celebrity.
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Xi extends congratulations to Egyptian president on Grand Egyptian Museum opening
In a significant gesture of international goodwill, Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his heartfelt congratulations to Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on the grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. The message, sent on Saturday, underscores the deepening cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations. The Grand Egyptian Museum, a monumental addition to Egypt’s cultural landscape, is set to become a global hub for ancient history and heritage. President Xi’s congratulatory note highlights China’s commitment to fostering mutual respect and collaboration in cultural preservation and international diplomacy. This event marks another milestone in the strengthening relationship between China and Egypt, reflecting shared values and a mutual appreciation for historical legacy.