The Kenyan government has reported a tragic mudslide in the western region of the country, resulting in the deaths of 21 individuals. The disaster, triggered by relentless heavy rainfall, occurred in Marakwet East late Friday night. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that the victims’ bodies have been moved to a nearby airstrip. Additionally, over 30 people remain missing, while 25 others with severe injuries have been airlifted for urgent medical care. The Kenyan Red Cross, leading rescue operations, noted that the most affected areas are inaccessible due to mudslides and flash flooding. Search and rescue efforts were temporarily halted on Saturday evening but are set to resume on Sunday. Murkomen assured that preparations are underway to deliver food and essential supplies to the victims, with military and police helicopters on standby for transportation. Kenya is currently in its second rainy season, which typically brings shorter periods of wet weather compared to the earlier, more prolonged rainy season. Authorities have advised residents near seasonal rivers and landslide-prone areas to relocate to safer locations. Meanwhile, neighboring Uganda has also faced severe weather, with flash floods and landslides claiming lives since last Wednesday. The Uganda Red Cross reported a mudslide in Kapsomo village, eastern Uganda, which destroyed a home and killed four occupants. Floods have severely impacted villages near riverbanks in the Bulambuli District, with continuous heavy rains causing the River Astiri and River Sipi to overflow, leading to widespread destruction of homes, crops, and infrastructure.
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Dubai: Gold’s price swings ‘healthy correction’, but experts warn of further volatility
Gold prices in the UAE showed modest gains on Friday, reflecting resilience in local demand and support from global factors. According to the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, 24-carat gold closed at Dh482.75 per gram, up from Dh479 the previous day. Other variants, including 22-carat, 21-carat, and 18-carat gold, also saw slight increases. These gains occurred during a week when global bullion prices were retracting from record highs, sparking debates among investors and market analysts.
Internationally, gold prices surged to a historic high of around $4,300 per ounce earlier this month before slipping to approximately $4,050, marking a 5.8% decline. Market strategists view this dip as a healthy correction following extreme overbought conditions. Technical indicators, such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI), had signaled the need for consolidation, with the RSI reaching an unprecedented 92 during the rally.
Alex Kuptsikevich, chief market analyst at FxPro, noted that the correction is not yet over. He attributed gold’s record high to a rare alignment of macroeconomic anxieties, including devaluation trading, expectations of aggressive monetary expansion by the Fed, geopolitical tensions, and central bank purchases. However, these factors are now easing, with the US and China finding common ground, the Middle East conflict cooling, and the Fed remaining cautious on rate cuts.
Despite the recent pullback, gold’s long-term bullish case remains supported by structural factors such as central bank reserve diversification, high government debt levels, and growing investor interest in gold as a hedge against currency debasement. Analysts emphasize that the current correction is a pause rather than a trend reversal, with additional short-term downside possible. Seasonal patterns, particularly October’s volatility, also play a role, as institutional portfolio adjustments often lead to selling pressure.
In Dubai, the emirate’s status as a global bullion trading hub and key retail jewellery market means price swings quickly influence buying behavior. Traders reported steady footfall this week, with shoppers viewing the dip in global prices as a favorable entry point. Retailers anticipate increased demand ahead of the festive and wedding season, especially if prices stabilize around current levels. Gulf jewellery buyers, traditionally price-sensitive but value-driven, often see dips as opportunities rather than warnings.
Gold mining stocks have felt the impact more acutely, with prices declining by 15-20%, compared to bullion’s less than 6% drop. Large-cap producers with stronger balance sheets have fared better, while mid-cap and exploration companies have seen steeper losses as investors reduce speculative exposure. This pattern is characteristic of retracement phases in commodity bull markets.
In summary, gold’s recent price movements represent a healthy correction rather than a collapse. While near-term volatility is expected, the long-term outlook remains positive, supported by fundamental factors and investor confidence in gold’s role as a hedge against economic uncertainty.
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Anger lingers in Serbia a year after train station tragedy
A solemn gathering marked the one-year anniversary of the Novi Sad railway station roof collapse in Serbia, where 16 lives were tragically lost. The disaster occurred on an unseasonably warm autumn day, as victims stood or sat beneath a recently renovated concrete canopy that gave way. Among the deceased were children as young as six and an elderly individual aged 77. The incident has since sparked widespread outrage and persistent anti-corruption protests across the country. On the anniversary, thousands gathered for a quiet commemoration, observing 16 minutes of silence—one for each victim—before laying flowers at the station. The site, though cleared of rubble, still bears scars of the catastrophe, with twisted metal and broken glass serving as grim reminders. The Novi Sad station, once a symbol of Serbia’s progress under President Aleksandar Vučić’s Progressive Party, has become emblematic of systemic failures. The government’s flagship infrastructure project, intended to modernize the high-speed railway connecting Belgrade to Budapest, turned deadly, fueling public fury. Protesters, led by university students, have demanded accountability and fresh elections, proposing a technocratic government to combat cronyism and corruption. In September, 13 individuals, including former Transport Minister Goran Vesić, were charged in connection with the collapse. The European Parliament has called for transparent legal proceedings and an investigation into potential corruption or negligence. Despite government denials, the student-led movement has gained momentum, earning respect even from opposition leaders. President Vučić, known for his combative stance, recently apologized for his harsh rhetoric towards protesters, but the students remain resolute, accusing him of bearing responsibility for the tragedy. While the day was one of remembrance, the underlying anger and demand for justice persist.
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China’s top political advisory body concludes standing committee session
The Standing Committee of the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee wrapped up its 14th session on Saturday afternoon in Beijing. The meeting, chaired by Wang Huning, a senior member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, emphasized the importance of implementing the guiding principles from the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Wang called on political advisors to unite public support, foster consensus, and contribute their expertise to the formulation and execution of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which aims to advance Chinese modernization. Additionally, the committee adopted a decision to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat-sen, a pivotal figure in Chinese history, born on November 12, 1866. The session underscored the CPPCC’s role in shaping China’s future development and honoring its historical legacy.
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China to celebrate the 160th birth anniversary of Sun Yat-sen
China is set to commemorate the 160th birth anniversary of Sun Yat-sen, a pivotal figure in the nation’s democratic revolution, with a series of events in 2026. The decision was ratified during the 14th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Sun Yat-sen, born on November 12, 1866, is celebrated as a national hero whose contributions laid the groundwork for China’s modernization and social progress. The commemorative activities aim to honor his enduring legacy, which includes his relentless pursuit of national independence, social advancement, and the well-being of the Chinese people. Additionally, these events are designed to foster unity among Chinese communities both domestically and internationally, bolster the patriotic united front, and promote peaceful development and reunification across the Taiwan Strait. The CPPCC emphasized that the commemoration will serve as a rallying point to gather strength and momentum for China’s ongoing modernization efforts. The events will also highlight Sun Yat-sen’s vision for a unified and prosperous China, inspiring future generations to continue his work towards national rejuvenation.
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First show at 4.25am: Indian icon Zubeen Garg’s final film leaves fans in tears
The late Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg’s final film, ‘Roi Roi Binale,’ has left fans across Assam in a state of profound emotion. Released on Friday, the musical drama, which features Garg in the lead role as a blind musician, broke opening day box office records in Assam, earning INR 25 million. The film, a dream project of the legendary singer, songwriter, composer, and actor, who tragically passed away at 52 in a Singapore accident on September 19, has seen all tickets booked until November 15. Theatres in Assam have canceled Bollywood and South Indian movie screenings to accommodate the overwhelming demand for ‘Roi Roi Binale.’ Fans of all ages flocked to cinemas as early as 4:25 AM for the first show, with some even bringing elderly family members to witness Garg’s final performance. Among the attendees were 40 visually impaired children from a local blind school, who expressed their deep connection to Garg’s music. The film’s release has reignited grief across Assam, with thousands still visiting Kamarkuchi, the village where Garg was cremated with state honors. The post-production team, led by sound designer Amrit Pritam, faced emotional challenges in completing the film without Garg’s oversight. Pritam described the project as the most difficult of his career, given Garg’s constant on-screen presence. The film’s title song, ‘Roi Roi Binale,’ originally from Garg’s 1998 album ‘Sobdo,’ carries complex emotions of angst, romance, and longing, resonating deeply with audiences. The unprecedented emotional response to the film underscores Garg’s enduring legacy in Assamese culture.
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US-China in a hot and fragile truce
The recent agreement between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping has temporarily averted a trade war, offering a brief respite to global markets. While not a comprehensive resolution, the deal represents a truce that could stabilize economic relations between the two superpowers for the near future. The agreement includes preliminary deals on several contentious issues, with the US stepping back from imposing high tariffs on Chinese imports and easing restrictions on technology transfers. In return, China has refrained from leveraging its monopoly on rare earth elements (REEs) as a bargaining chip. This delicate balance underscores the strategic competition between the two nations, as both seek to strengthen their positions in the global economic arena. China aims to diversify its export markets and boost domestic consumption to mitigate potential losses from US trade policies, while the US is striving to reduce its reliance on Chinese REEs. The agreement is set to be reviewed annually, coinciding with the US midterm elections, which could give China significant leverage. In the short term, China holds an advantage with its control over REEs, but the long-term outcome hinges on broader strategic maneuvers. The contrasting governance models of the two nations—China’s authoritarian system and the US’s democratic framework—play a crucial role in shaping their respective strategies. While China can mobilize resources swiftly, the US relies on market dynamics and electoral cycles, which can be both a strength and a vulnerability. The race for economic and technological supremacy is far from over, and the stakes are higher than ever.
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Dubai Duty Free hits all-time high October sales with over Dh800 million
Dubai Duty Free has set a new benchmark in its retail operations, announcing unprecedented October sales of Dh805.6 million (US$220.7 million). This achievement marks the eighth record-breaking month out of ten in 2025, solidifying the company’s consistent growth trajectory. October’s sales surpassed the previous October record of Dh692 million (US$189 million) set in 2023, making it the third-highest monthly sales in the company’s history, trailing only behind the all-time high of Dh821.4 million (US$225 million) recorded in December 2024. The sales growth outpaced passenger traffic by at least 10%, with a remarkable 19.31% increase compared to October 2024. Year-to-date sales reached Dh6.88 billion (US$1.885 billion), reflecting an 8.72% increase over the same period last year. Perfumes remained the top-selling category, generating Dh139.9 million (US$38.3 million), while gold sales, driven by the Diwali season, ranked second with Dh97.2 million (US$26.6 million). Confectionery also saw record sales of Dh78 million (US$21.4 million), with ‘Dubai Chocolate’ leading the charge. Luxury fashion boutiques, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and Cartier, contributed significantly, with sales up 43.5% over October 2024. The opening of new boutiques in Concourse A has further bolstered sales, with standout transactions including high-value luxury items. Sales across key regions and markets, including Africa, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, and Australasia, all rose by more than 20%, with Russia and Africa showing notable increases.
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Trump remodels Lincoln bathroom in latest White House renovation
US President Donald Trump has unveiled the latest in a series of high-profile renovations to the White House, this time focusing on the Lincoln Bedroom’s bathroom. The newly redesigned space features black and white marble with gold fixtures, which Trump claims are ‘very appropriate for the time of Abraham Lincoln.’ The president shared images of the updated bathroom on social media, criticizing its previous 1940s art deco green tile style as ‘totally inappropriate for the Lincoln Era.’
The Lincoln Bedroom, originally part of Abraham Lincoln’s office and cabinet room, underwent significant changes during former President Harry Truman’s extensive White House renovations in the late 1940s. Historical records from the White House Historical Association indicate that Lincoln’s office and bedroom were once adorned with green and gold wallpaper. Trump’s latest update includes gold accents for the sink, bathtub faucet, shower door, and a chandelier.
This renovation is part of Trump’s broader efforts to leave his mark on the White House, which has included the demolition of the East Wing to make way for a multi-million-dollar ballroom and the transformation of the Rose Garden’s lawn into a stone patio. These changes have drawn sharp criticism from conservation groups and political opponents, who argue that the alterations undermine the historical integrity of the building. Conservationists have called for public review before such modifications, claiming they overwhelm the White House’s classical style.
Democrats have seized on the renovations as evidence of misplaced priorities, particularly as the government shutdown enters its second month. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump on social media, stating, ‘Donald Trump actually cares more about his toilet than he does about fixing your healthcare.’ Democrats are pushing to renew expiring health insurance subsidies, which they argue are critical for American families, while Republicans have deferred discussions until the government reopens.
Trump’s penchant for opulent design has also extended to the Oval Office, where he has added gold-framed portraits, mirrors, and a gold leaf presidential seal on the ceiling. As the debate over the White House’s transformation continues, the renovations remain a contentious symbol of Trump’s presidency.
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PLA says Philippines’ South China Sea ‘joint patrol’ undermines regional peace, stability
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has issued a stern warning against the Philippines’ recent ‘joint patrol’ in the South China Sea, labeling it a significant threat to regional peace and stability. The statement, delivered by Tian Junli, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, followed the Philippines’ two-day operation from October 30 to 31, which involved non-regional countries. Tian accused the Philippines of acting as a ‘troublemaker’ and a ‘disruptor of regional stability,’ emphasizing that such actions are under the PLA’s firm control. The PLA Southern Theater Command has mobilized forces to closely monitor the situation, maintaining high alert to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights. The Chinese military reiterated its commitment to defending its interests in the South China Sea, urging all parties to refrain from provocative actions that could escalate tensions.