The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced that the Board examinations for Grades 10 and 12 will commence on February 17, 2026. This decision aligns with the recommendations outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which mandates two separate examinations for Class X students. The CBSE has meticulously planned the exam schedule to ensure minimal overlap and optimal preparation time for students. Key considerations include providing adequate gaps between subjects, aligning the schedule with entrance exams for Class XII students, and avoiding simultaneous absences of teachers during evaluation periods. Additionally, the board has ensured that no two subjects’ exams for a single student fall on the same date, addressing over 40,000 subject combinations. The exams will begin at 10:30 AM IST (9:00 AM UAE time), offering convenience for students across different time zones. This strategic scheduling aims to enhance students’ time management and reduce stress during the critical examination period.
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‘No inch here was spared’: Hurricane Melissa destroys Jamaica town
The coastal town of Black River in Jamaica has been left in ruins following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm to strike the country in modern history. BBC correspondent Nada Tawfik, reporting from the scene, described a landscape of utter devastation, with no area left untouched by the hurricane’s fury. Homes, businesses, and infrastructure have been reduced to rubble, leaving residents in a state of desperation and despair. The storm’s unprecedented intensity has overwhelmed local authorities, who are now scrambling to provide emergency aid and assess the full extent of the damage. The international community is being called upon to assist in the recovery efforts, as Jamaica faces one of its most challenging moments in recent memory. The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa serves as a stark reminder of the increasing severity of weather events in the era of climate change, prompting urgent discussions about disaster preparedness and resilience in vulnerable regions.
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UAE: RAK’s Wynn expected to create bigger tourism boom than Macau, Singapore
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), one of the UAE’s seven emirates, is poised to witness an unprecedented tourism boom with the launch of the Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort in 2027. According to Tariq Bsharat, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer at Marjan Island’s top management, the project is expected to drive a 65% surge in visitor numbers in its first year, surpassing the growth rates seen in Macau and Singapore during their integrated resort launches. By 2030, RAK is projected to welcome over 5.5 million visitors annually, accounting for nearly 10% of all international tourists to the UAE. The resort’s impact will extend beyond tourism, catalyzing growth in real estate, retail, hospitality, and food & beverage sectors. Studies by Colliers and EY predict that the emirate’s population will grow from 400,000 to over 600,000 by 2030, necessitating new housing and infrastructure. Real estate prices in RAK have already surged since the project’s announcement in 2022, with off-plan apartment rates nearly tripling and villa prices rising by 92%. Bsharat emphasized that the Wynn project will not only attract visitors but also spur significant investment in hospitality and residential developments. Drawing parallels with Wynn’s successes in Macau and Singapore, Bsharat highlighted that RAK’s case is unique, as it represents the first Wynn resort in a burgeoning destination. The project is expected to position RAK as a global tourism and leisure hub, reshaping its economic and social landscape.
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More than 60,000 flee Sudanese city after its capture by RSF militia – UN
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached alarming levels as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) consolidate control over western regions, including the strategically significant city of el-Fasher. Reports from the ground reveal harrowing conditions, with over 150,000 people trapped in el-Fasher, many suffering from severe malnutrition. Survivors of the siege have recounted witnessing executions and widespread abuse by armed militias. The RSF has denied allegations of ethnically motivated killings, but its detention of Abu Lulu, a militiaman accused of summary executions, has drawn international attention. TikTok has banned an account linked to Lulu, though it remains unclear if he personally managed it. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF, has claimed over 150,000 lives and displaced 12 million people, creating what the UN describes as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The RSF now dominates western Sudan and parts of Kordofan, while the army retains control of Khartoum and eastern regions. The two factions, once allies in a 2021 coup, have since clashed over a transition to civilian rule, plunging the nation into chaos.
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Free things to do in Dubai: Halloween events, Fitness Challenge and more
Dubai, often synonymous with luxury, offers a plethora of free activities that cater to diverse interests, proving that enjoying the city doesn’t always require a hefty budget. From Halloween celebrations to fitness challenges and cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy without spending a dirham.
**Halloween Festivities**
This Halloween, Dubai is hosting a range of free events. On October 31, Al Habtoor Polo Resort is organizing a **Halloween Family Movie Night** at The Clubhouse, featuring an outdoor screening of *Hotel Transylvania*, pumpkin carving, a bouncy castle, and complimentary goodies from Flying Tiger Copenhagen. Entry is free for all ages. Meanwhile, Festival Plaza in Jebel Ali Village is hosting a Halloween celebration on November 1, complete with costume competitions, face-painting for kids, and prize giveaways of up to Dh1,000. Participants can sign up at the mall’s customer service desk.**Dubai Fitness Challenge**
November marks the annual **Dubai Fitness Challenge**, an initiative by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan that encourages residents and visitors to engage in 30 minutes of activity for 30 days. Starting November 1, the city transforms into an open-air gym with free classes, Fitness Villages, Community Hubs, and flagship events like **Dubai Ride**, **Dubai Run**, **Dubai Stand-Up Paddle**, and **Dubai Yoga**. Even if you don’t own a bike, you can participate in Dubai Ride on November 2 by renting Careem bikes for free. Check the full schedule and registration details to join the movement.**Dubai Fountain Shows**
After months of renovation, the **Dubai Fountain** reopened on October 1, offering visitors a mesmerizing display of water, music, and light. Located at Dubai Mall with the Burj Khalifa as its backdrop, the fountain is a must-see attraction. Shows occur every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm daily, with additional afternoon shows on weekends.**Night Beaches**
For a serene evening, head to one of Dubai’s night beaches—Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3, or Umm Suqeim 1. These spots offer stunning views of the illuminated Burj Al Arab, making for a perfect nighttime escape.**Birthday Freebies**
Dubai is known for its birthday perks. From free rides at Aquaventure Waterpark to complimentary tours of the Miracle Garden, the city goes the extra mile to make your special day memorable. Restaurants like Claw BBQ and Paul Arabia offer free treats, while Cinemacity provides free movie tickets for birthday celebrations.**Art and Culture**
Art enthusiasts can explore **Alserkal Avenue** in Al Quoz, home to over 70 galleries, studios, and cultural spaces. Highlights include Carbon 12, Green Art Gallery, and Leila Heller, as well as Gulf Photo Plus and thejamjar. Catch independent films at Cinema Akil or live performances at The Junction.Dubai’s free offerings showcase the city’s vibrant culture and community spirit, making it accessible to all, regardless of budget.
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How UAE’s first olive-based coffee was brewed by mother-daughter duo
In a unique blend of tradition and innovation, the UAE has welcomed its first olive-based coffee, crafted by Emirati mother-daughter duo Nadia Al Mansouri and Huda Abdulaziz. What started as a pop-up attraction at community events has evolved into a sensation among health-conscious consumers and lovers of heritage-inspired flavors. The product, distributed under the brand History Coffee, offers a range of blends infused with hazelnut, frankincense (libaan), and even karak-style varieties, redefining the coffee experience in the region. The concept was inspired by Dr. Waleed Al Azraq, CEO of First Pasha Coffee, a Turkish-Yemeni firm that holds the patent for olive-powder coffee. Dr. Al Azraq’s vision was to merge the cultural significance of coffee with the health benefits of olives, creating a product that resonates with both tradition and modern wellness trends. The journey began after Dr. Al Azraq discovered powdered olive fruit at a Turkish agricultural exhibition. After extensive experimentation, the team achieved a perfect balance between the rich flavor of Emirati coffee and the nutritional properties of olive powder. Despite challenges in flavor balancing and regulatory approvals, the product has gained widespread recognition, both locally and internationally. Huda, a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, and her mother Nadia, who previously avoided coffee due to health concerns, were drawn to the product’s unique properties. Today, History Coffee is a staple at major events like ADIHEX and has expanded its offerings to include Arabic blonde coffee and other popular blends. Beyond its distinctive taste, olive coffee is celebrated for its health benefits, including antioxidant properties, heart health support, and cognitive enhancement. This Emirati-Yemeni collaboration exemplifies a growing regional appetite for innovative products that honor cultural heritage while promoting well-being.
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Militia attack on hospital in Darfur came in waves, WHO says
In a harrowing escalation of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, gunmen affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a brutal attack on a hospital in the Darfur region, killing at least 460 people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The assault, which occurred in multiple waves, involved the abduction of medical staff and the indiscriminate killing of patients and civilians seeking refuge. This atrocity marks a grim milestone in the two-year war between the RSF and Sudan’s military, which has already claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced more than 14 million people. The fall of el-Fasher, the military’s last stronghold in Darfur, signals a new phase in the conflict, raising fears of further violence and humanitarian catastrophe. Survivors recount horrifying journeys to safety, while aid groups warn of widespread famine and disease outbreaks. The RSF, a paramilitary group with roots in the Janjaweed militia, has been accused of repeated mass killings and sexual violence, particularly targeting civilians of Central and East African ethnicities. As communications remain down in el-Fasher, the full scale of the devastation is yet to be uncovered.
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Dubai: Parkin introduces two new paid public parking zones
Dubai’s leading public parking provider, Parkin, has unveiled two new paid parking zones in Dubai Studio City and Outsource City, marking a significant expansion of its services. The announcement, made on Friday, October 31, 2025, introduces structured parking tariffs and subscription rates for these areas, effective immediately. Clear signage has been installed to demarcate the zones, ensuring compliance with Code T regulations. The new tariffs, applicable from 8 AM to 10 PM, range from Dh2 for half an hour to Dh36 for a full 24-hour period. Subscription options include monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual plans, priced at Dh315, Dh840, Dh1680, and Dh2940, respectively. This move follows Parkin’s earlier initiatives, such as the introduction of free parking on Sundays and public holidays in Mirdif and the addition of paid zones in Al Jaddaf and Al Khail Gate earlier this year. The expansion aims to streamline parking management and enhance convenience for residents and visitors in these bustling commercial hubs.
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South African government criticizes Trump’s refugee policy prioritizing white Afrikaner minority
The South African government has expressed strong criticism of the United States’ recent refugee policy shift, which prioritizes Afrikaners, the country’s white minority group of Dutch descent. The Trump administration announced on Thursday a drastic reduction in the refugee admission ceiling from 125,000 to 7,500, with Afrikaners given preference. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that Afrikaners face “genocide” in South Africa due to alleged persecution, discrimination, and high crime rates. This assertion has been widely discredited by experts and South African officials. The policy has further strained diplomatic relations between the two nations, with Trump suspending financial aid to South Africa and imposing high tariffs on its exports. South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation labeled the U.S. policy as deeply flawed and based on inaccurate premises. Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri emphasized that the claim of “white genocide” lacks credible evidence and undermines South Africa’s constitutional processes. The policy has sparked controversy within South Africa, with many Afrikaners rejecting the notion of needing asylum. A group of prominent Afrikaners, including politicians and activists, published an open letter opposing the idea of race-based refugee status, arguing that humanitarian policy should focus on vulnerability rather than race. However, some Afrikaner groups, like AfriForum, have raised concerns about safety and discriminatory policies, though they do not endorse the “genocide” claim. While the exact number of applicants remains unclear, 59 white South Africans were granted asylum in the U.S. in May, marking a contentious chapter in U.S.-South Africa relations.
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Innoventures Education continues expansion: DIA Town Square to open in 2026
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has announced its Open Day for 2025, offering prospective students and their families a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the institution’s world-class academic environment. Scheduled to take place on campus, the event will showcase AUS’s renowned American-style education, cutting-edge facilities, and vibrant campus life. Attendees will have the chance to interact with faculty members, explore diverse academic programs, and gain insights into the university’s commitment to fostering innovation and leadership. The Open Day also highlights AUS’s global reputation for excellence, attracting students from over 90 countries. This event serves as a gateway for aspiring scholars to envision their future at one of the region’s most prestigious universities.