In a landmark development for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, citizens of member states now have access to comprehensive healthcare services across the region, regardless of their country of residence or visit. This initiative underscores the GCC’s commitment to fostering unity and equal treatment among its citizens. During 2023, over 204,000 Gulf nationals benefited from government medical services outside their home countries, as revealed by Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, during a meeting of GCC health ministers. The scope of healthcare services varies based on the duration of stay. Visitors staying up to three months are entitled to primary healthcare, emergency and ambulance services, and hospitalisation for critical cases until the emergency is resolved. For those residing in a GCC country for over three months, with valid residency and property ownership or lease contracts, all health services in hospitals and government health centres are accessible. The GCC region boasts an extensive healthcare infrastructure, with over 863 hospitals and 3,400 health centres and complexes. This initiative reflects the GCC’s vision of a ‘collective homeland,’ where citizens enjoy benefits equivalent to those of nationals in each member state. In the UAE, GCC nationals working in the private sector are treated equally to Emirati nationals in terms of employment and insurance coverage, as per Cabinet Resolution No. 72/5 of 2007. This policy, however, does not impact the Emiratisation quota for UAE citizens in the private sector. The move highlights the GCC’s dedication to enhancing regional integration and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
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Israel’s killing of Abu Akleh was intentional, says lead US investigator
A retired US colonel involved in the investigation into the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh has asserted that she was deliberately shot by an Israeli soldier. In an interview with Zeteo News, Steve Gabavics, who served as chief of staff at the Office of the United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (USSC) at the time of the incident, revealed that his findings concluded the shooting was intentional. Gabavics also accused the Biden administration of downplaying the results to maintain diplomatic relations with Israel. Israeli forces killed Abu Akleh during a raid in Jenin, occupied West Bank, in May 2022, sparking international outrage. While the Israeli army claimed the shooting was accidental, independent investigations and Gabavics’s evidence suggest otherwise. Gabavics presented his findings to General Michael Fenzel, who dismissed them, citing Israeli officials’ claims of a tragic accident. Gabavics expressed frustration over the US government’s perceived bias toward Israel, stating, ‘The favoritism is always toward the Israelis. Very little of that goes to the Palestinians.’
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Air India bus catches fire at New Delhi airport; operations undisrupted
A bus operated by Air India’s ground-handling service provider, AI SATS, caught fire at Terminal 3 of New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday. The incident occurred near bay number 32, close to a parked aircraft. Fortunately, no passengers were onboard at the time, and there were no reported injuries or casualties. Airport emergency teams, including the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) unit, responded promptly, extinguishing the blaze within minutes and preventing it from escalating. The Delhi Airport Authority confirmed that the bus was stationary and vacant during the incident, and all airport operations remained unaffected. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the airport emphasized that passenger and staff safety remains their top priority. The swift action of the emergency teams ensured that the situation was contained without disrupting flight schedules or causing harm to individuals. This incident highlights the efficiency of the airport’s emergency response protocols and their commitment to maintaining operational continuity even in unforeseen circumstances.
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China approves amendment to cybersecurity law
In a significant move to bolster cybersecurity and regulate artificial intelligence (AI), China’s top legislative body, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, approved an amendment to the country’s Cybersecurity Law on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The revised law, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, aims to address the escalating demands of AI governance while fostering its development. The amendment emphasizes support for fundamental AI research, the advancement of critical technologies like algorithms, and the construction of AI-related infrastructure, including data resource training and computing power. Additionally, it introduces stricter ethical standards for AI, enhanced risk monitoring, and improved safety supervision. The amendment also seeks to strengthen cybersecurity legal responsibilities and ensure better coordination with other relevant laws. China’s Cybersecurity Law, originally enacted in 2016, serves as a cornerstone in the nation’s digital governance framework. This latest revision underscores China’s commitment to navigating the complexities of AI and cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world.
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RSF’s takeover of Sudan’s El Fasher a ‘terrible escalation’ that raises new concerns
In a devastating turn of events, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have captured El Fasher, the last military stronghold in Sudan’s Darfur region, marking a grim escalation in the 31-month-long conflict. The paramilitary group, notorious for its brutal tactics, reportedly killed and detained hundreds of civilians during the takeover, which began on Sunday. The Sudanese military withdrew from the city, citing concerns for civilian safety after enduring over a year of relentless RSF attacks. General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the military chief, condemned the RSF’s ‘systemic destruction and killing of civilians.’
The United Nations has described the situation as a ‘terrible escalation,’ with reports of summary executions, sexual violence, and house-to-house raids emerging from the city. Graphic footage on social media shows RSF fighters shooting and beating civilians attempting to flee, while others were detained and abused. Amnesty International’s Tigere Chagutah called the reports ‘horrifying’ and urged the RSF to cease attacks and allow humanitarian aid.
Medical workers were not spared, with five abducted, including doctors and nurses. Satellite imagery analyzed by Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab revealed scenes consistent with mass killings, including gun-mounted trucks and reddish earth discoloration, possibly indicating bloodshed. The RSF, which evolved from the Janjaweed militias accused of genocide in the 2000s, has not responded to the allegations. The Biden administration has accused the RSF of committing genocide in the current conflict.
The fall of El Fasher raises fears of Sudan’s fragmentation, reminiscent of South Sudan’s secession a decade ago. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an end to foreign military support to the warring parties, hinting at external interference undermining peace efforts. Meanwhile, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported the killing of five volunteers in Kordofan state, underscoring the peril faced by humanitarian workers.
The conflict has claimed over 40,000 lives, displaced 14 million people, and created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with parts of Sudan, including El Fasher, facing famine. The international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and halt the atrocities.
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Taiwan compatriots voice unity on the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration
In a significant commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China, Taiwanese compatriots gathered to express their profound patriotic fervor and unwavering commitment to national reunification. The event, held with grandeur, underscored the enduring connections and shared aspirations between the people across the Taiwan Strait. Participants emphasized the importance of unity and the collective vision for a harmonious future, highlighting the historical significance of the restoration and its implications for the region’s stability and prosperity. The gathering served as a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted ties that bind the two sides, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual understanding amidst the complexities of cross-strait relations.
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‘Dubai brought me back to myself’: How city helped Chetan Bhagat reinvent himself
Renowned Indian author and screenwriter Chetan Bhagat has found a new creative haven in Dubai, where he has been residing for the past year and a half. In a recent interview with City Times, Bhagat revealed how the city has helped him rediscover his passion for writing and provided the tranquility he sought. His latest book, ’12 Years, My Messed Up Love Story,’ reflects his experiences and the evolving dynamics of modern relationships. Bhagat’s protagonist, a 21-year-old girl in love with a divorced 33-year-old man, navigates themes of love, lust, and societal expectations. The book aims to offer a refreshing contrast to the dark and violent content dominating OTT platforms. Bhagat, who rose to fame with ‘Five Point Someone’ and ‘2 States,’ admitted that the glitz of Bollywood and the pressures of fame had overshadowed his joy for writing. Moving to Dubai allowed him to reconnect with his craft and focus on personal growth. Now 51, Bhagat emphasizes the importance of internal fulfillment over external success, embracing a quieter, more introspective lifestyle. His journey serves as an inspiration for those seeking to balance creativity with authenticity.
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‘We’re absolutely terrified’: Millions brace for Melissa’s impact in Jamaica
Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm of the year, approaches its shores. With winds so fierce they can knock people off their feet, residents and tourists alike are bracing for what experts predict will be catastrophic and life-threatening conditions. The National Hurricane Center has issued dire warnings of torrential rainfall, deadly flash flooding, and landslides. Already, the storm has claimed lives in the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica and four in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for at least seven high-risk areas in the southeast, where critical infrastructure, including the international airport and power plants, is located. Power outages have left over 200,000 people without electricity, and thousands have sought refuge in government shelters. However, many are reluctant to leave their homes, opting instead to fortify them with plywood, sandbags, and tied-down shutters. Supermarkets are empty, and essentials like bread are scarce. Tourists, too, are feeling the strain, with airports closed and flights canceled, leaving many stranded. Rebecca Chapman, visiting for her 25th wedding anniversary, described the eerie quiet and the ominous roar from the sea. Tim Hookway, a British national in Montego Bay, noted the muted atmosphere, while Alex Baskeyfield, from West Yorkshire, recounted the extreme preparations at his hotel, where everything from ceiling fans to televisions has been removed. The Foreign Office has advised Britons in Jamaica to heed local authority advice, particularly regarding evacuation orders. As Hurricane Melissa makes its slow approach, the sense of impending doom is palpable, with everyone hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
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World Cities Day China Observance opens in Chongqing
The 2025 World Cities Day China Observance officially kicked off on Tuesday, October 28, in Chongqing, a bustling metropolis in Southwest China. The event, themed around the development of smart cities with a human-centric approach, brought together urban planners, policymakers, and international experts to discuss innovative strategies for sustainable urban growth. Chongqing, known for its rapid urbanization and technological advancements, showcased its pioneering urban governance models, emphasizing the integration of technology and community welfare. The observance also served as a platform for global collaboration, fostering knowledge exchange and partnerships to address the challenges of modern urbanization. Attendees explored topics such as green infrastructure, digital transformation, and inclusive city planning, aiming to create resilient and livable urban environments. The event underscored China’s commitment to leading global efforts in smart city development, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. As cities worldwide grapple with the complexities of rapid urbanization, the 2025 World Cities Day China Observance highlighted the importance of innovation, sustainability, and international cooperation in shaping the future of urban living.
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Brigitte Macron’s daughter testifies about alleged cyberbullying of France’s first lady
In a poignant testimony during the second day of a Paris trial, Tiphaine Auzière, the daughter of France’s first lady Brigitte Macron, detailed the profound impact of cyberbullying on her mother’s life. The trial involves ten individuals accused of spreading malicious claims online, including allegations about Brigitte Macron’s gender and sexuality, as well as insinuations linking the 24-year age gap between her and President Emmanuel Macron to “pedophilia.” Some of these posts have garnered tens of thousands of views. Auzière emphasized the deterioration in her mother’s living conditions, stating, “She cannot ignore the horrible things said about her.” She also highlighted the misuse of Macron’s images online, forcing her to be cautious about her appearance and daily life. The defendants, including an elected official, a teacher, and a computer scientist, argued that their comments were intended as humor or satire and expressed confusion over the charges. If convicted, they face up to two years in prison. Brigitte Macron did not attend the trial, and a verdict is expected at a later date. Auzière also revealed the broader impact on the family, particularly on her children and grandchildren, who face taunts at school. The Macron family has long been targeted by conspiracy theories alleging that Brigitte was born a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux, a claim they have consistently denied. In July, the Macrons filed a defamation suit in a Delaware court against U.S. conservative influencer Candace Owens, seeking substantial damages if she continues to propagate these claims. Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron, married since 2007, first met when he was her student at a high school in France. Emmanuel Macron has served as France’s president since 2017.