A groundbreaking study conducted by Chinese scientists on a 2-gram lunar soil sample from the Chang’e 6 mission has uncovered rare CI chondrite impact residues, shedding light on the mass transfer processes within the inner solar system and offering fresh perspectives on the distribution and evolution of water on the moon. The research, spearheaded by a team from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was published in the prestigious journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on October 21, 2025. CI chondrites, also known as Ivuna-type carbonaceous chondrites, are exceptionally rare meteorites with a primitive chemical composition akin to the sun’s nonvolatile elements. These meteorites, rich in water and volatiles, primarily formed in the outer solar system and migrated into the asteroid belt during the early stages of planetary formation. The discovery of CI chondrite residues in the lunar soil suggests that such materials can travel to the Earth-moon system. Furthermore, the research team posits that the water with positive oxygen isotope characteristics previously detected in lunar samples likely originated from impacts by these meteorites. This revelation opens new avenues for future studies on the sources and evolution of water on the lunar surface.
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France’s ex-leader Sarkozy jailed, proclaiming his innocence
In a historic and dramatic turn of events, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was incarcerated on Tuesday, marking the first time a former leader of an EU state has been jailed. Sarkozy, who served as France’s president from 2007 to 2012, was convicted last month for his involvement in a scheme to secure illegal campaign funding from the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The verdict, which carries a five-year prison sentence, has sent shockwaves through France and beyond. Sarkozy, 70, entered La Sante prison in Paris under heavy police escort, maintaining his innocence in a defiant social media post. ‘It is not a former president of the republic being jailed this morning, but an innocent man,’ he declared on X (formerly Twitter). ‘I have no doubt. The truth will prevail.’ The case, known as the ‘Libyan affair,’ centers on allegations that Sarkozy’s aides struck a deal with Gaddafi in 2005 to fund his 2007 presidential campaign. In return, Gaddafi allegedly sought assistance in rehabilitating his international image, tarnished by Libya’s involvement in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing and other atrocities. Sarkozy’s imprisonment has drawn mixed reactions. While a recent poll by Elabe found that 60% of French citizens consider the sentence fair, supporters gathered outside his home, chanting ‘Free Nicolas’ and singing the national anthem. Sarkozy’s wife, singer Carla Bruni, stood by his side as he left for prison. The former president’s legal troubles have been mounting since his 2012 re-election defeat. He has faced multiple trials, including a previous conviction for graft, which led to house arrest and the revocation of his Legion of Honour. Despite his fall from grace, Sarkozy remains a significant figure in French politics, occasionally meeting with current President Emmanuel Macron. Macron defended a recent meeting with Sarkozy, calling it ‘normal, on a human level.’ Sarkozy’s incarceration is a stark reminder of the legal and ethical challenges facing political leaders, even after leaving office.
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A timeline of US attacks in the Caribbean and what Congress has had to say
In a span of less than two months, the U.S. military, under the directives of President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has executed seven strikes against drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in the deaths of 32 individuals. Trump has defended these actions as a necessary escalation to combat the influx of drugs into the United States, framing the effort as an ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels. This justification mirrors the legal authority invoked by the Bush administration during the war on terror post-9/11. However, the absence of congressional approval or a formal declaration of war has ignited a heated debate in Congress over the extent of presidential power. Lawmakers have raised concerns about the lack of concrete evidence to substantiate the strikes and the potential overreach of executive authority.
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No immediate plans for Trump-Putin meeting, White House official says
The White House has confirmed that there are ‘no plans’ for US President Donald Trump to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin ‘in the immediate future,’ despite earlier indications of a potential summit in Budapest. Last Thursday, Trump had suggested that he and Putin would hold talks within two weeks to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, a preparatory meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, initially scheduled for this week, was canceled after the two officials reportedly had a ‘productive’ phone conversation, rendering the in-person meeting ‘unnecessary.’ The White House has not provided further details on the reasons for the delay. Meanwhile, Trump has expressed support for freezing the Ukrainian conflict along the current front line, particularly in the contested Donbas region. ‘Let it be cut the way it is,’ he stated on Monday. However, Russia has consistently opposed this approach, with Lavrov emphasizing on Tuesday that Moscow is only interested in ‘long-term, sustainable peace,’ suggesting that a freeze would merely result in a temporary ceasefire. This developing story is being updated, and further details are expected shortly.
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Qatar’s emir condemns ‘continued violation’ of 11-day-old Gaza ceasefire
Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has strongly condemned Israel’s repeated violations of the 11-day-old Gaza ceasefire, accusing the nation of actions that render the Gaza Strip uninhabitable. In his annual address to the Shura Council on Tuesday, the Qatari ruler, a pivotal mediator in the ongoing truce, expressed deep concern over the deadly strikes on Hamas positions and the broader humanitarian crisis in the region. ‘We reiterate our condemnation of all Israeli violations and practices in Palestine, particularly the transformation of the Gaza Strip into an area unfit for human life and the continued breach of the ceasefire,’ Sheikh Tamim stated. His remarks underscore Qatar’s critical role in regional diplomacy and its commitment to addressing the escalating tensions in Gaza. The Emir’s address highlights the urgent need for international intervention to uphold the ceasefire and mitigate the humanitarian fallout in the embattled territory.
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UAE expat’s son dies by suicide after alleged humiliation by teacher in Kerala
A devastating incident in Kerala, India, has shocked the community as a 14-year-old boy, A.J., the son of a UAE expatriate, died by suicide following alleged humiliation by his teacher. The tragedy occurred on October 14, when A.J. was found hanging in his home, dressed in his school uniform. The incident has led to widespread protests, the suspension of two teachers, and an ongoing investigation by the state’s education minister.
A.J.’s suicide came just a day after he was disciplined for using offensive language in an Instagram group chat with classmates. The issue was brought to the school’s attention by a parent on October 13, and the boys involved were reprimanded. However, the matter was not escalated further as the students appeared to acknowledge their mistake.
On the following day, A.J.’s class teacher reportedly addressed the issue in front of the entire class, threatening to file a cybercrime case against him, which could result in a 1.5-year jail sentence. Witnesses claim that A.J. was deeply distressed by the teacher’s public shaming and was found dead later that day. His father, who works in the UAE, returned home for the funeral on October 15.
The incident sparked outrage among students and local student unions, who boycotted classes and staged protests demanding accountability. In response, the school suspended the class teacher and headmistress for 20 days. However, the school principal defended the teacher, stating that she had only warned A.J. about the potential consequences of his actions.
The state’s education minister has ordered a detailed probe into the incident, and a case of unnatural death has been registered. A.J.’s family has filed a separate complaint alleging mental harassment by the teacher, claiming that she had targeted him for months following a previous complaint by his father. Police are currently recording statements from students, staff, and the teacher involved. The school is expected to reopen soon, but the incident has left a lasting impact on the community, raising questions about the treatment of students and the pressures they face.
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Wegovy maker Novo Nordisk’s board slims down as directors quit
Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical giant behind the widely popular weight-loss drug Wegovy and diabetes treatment Ozempic, is undergoing a significant boardroom reshuffle. Seven board members, including Chairman Helge Lund and Vice Chair Henrik Poulsen, are set to depart following an extraordinary investor meeting in November. This move comes amidst a series of transformative changes for the Danish company, which recently appointed a new CEO in August and announced plans to lay off 9,000 employees in September. The company has also issued profit warnings due to heightened competition from U.S. rivals, leading to a revised profit growth forecast for the third time this year. The widespread adoption of Ozempic, often used off-label for weight loss, and Wegovy had previously propelled Novo Nordisk to become Europe’s most valuable company in summer 2024. However, recent competition from firms like Eli Lilly has eroded its valuation, with shares dipping 1.7% following news of the boardroom shake-up. The departures stem from disagreements between board members and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the company’s majority shareholder, which holds 28.1% of shares but controls three-quarters of voting rights. The Foundation, which successfully pushed for the removal of former CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen in May, is now nominating Lars Rebien Sorensen, its current chairman and former Novo Nordisk CEO, to replace Mr. Lund.
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Passengers jump from windows in fatal Ethiopia train crash
A tragic train accident in eastern Ethiopia has left 15 people dead and dozens injured, according to local officials. The incident occurred on Monday night in the town of Shinile, where a moving train derailed before colliding with a stationary train. Passengers were forced to leap from the carriages to escape the chaos, with many sustaining injuries in the process. Local media images revealed overturned and crushed carriages, painting a grim picture of the scene. District Commissioner Jibril Omar attributed the crash to the train’s poor condition, citing its age and inability to handle heavy loads. Overloading was also identified as a significant contributing factor. The train, which was transporting both passengers and cargo such as rice, pasta, and cooking oil, was en route from Dewele to Dire Dawa when the accident occurred. Mohammed Adem, a spokesperson for the Somali regional government, confirmed that all deceased and injured individuals had been recovered from the site. An investigation into the cause of the collision has been initiated. Train accidents are relatively uncommon in Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous nation. The Somali region, where the crash took place, is one of Ethiopia’s largest and is primarily inhabited by ethnic Somalis. The rescue mission has since been completed, according to regional authorities.
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Magnitude 4.6 earthquake jolts Pakistan at 170km depth
A moderate earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale shook Pakistan on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, as reported by India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The seismic event occurred at a depth of 170 kilometers at 10:59 AM local time (9:29 AM UAE time). This follows a series of tremors in the region, including a magnitude 4.7 quake on Monday and multiple moderate quakes over the weekend. The affected area, encompassing Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India, is one of the world’s most seismically active zones due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geological activity frequently results in earthquakes that are felt across borders. Pakistan, in particular, is highly vulnerable to seismic events, with regions like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan lying on the southern edge of the Eurasian plate, while Sindh and Punjab are situated on the northwestern edge of the Indian plate. These areas are prone to frequent and sometimes violent earthquakes, posing significant risks to the local population.
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Actor Asrani dies: From Sholay to Hera Pheri, his most memorable comic roles
The Indian film industry is in mourning following the passing of comedy icon Asrani, who died on October 20, 2025, at the age of 84. With a career spanning nearly six decades, Asrani, born Govardhan Asrani, left an indelible mark on Bollywood through his unparalleled comic timing and versatile acting. His legacy includes over 350 films, where he seamlessly transitioned between serious and comedic roles, earning him a special place in the hearts of audiences across generations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Asrani, describing him as a gifted entertainer who brought joy and laughter to countless lives. Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who shared the screen with Asrani in numerous films, expressed his grief on social media, recalling their recent collaboration and praising Asrani’s legendary comic timing. Kumar highlighted their work together in cult classics like ‘Hera Pheri,’ ‘Bhagam Bhag,’ and ‘De Dana Dan,’ among others.
Asrani’s career began in 1967, and he quickly became a household name with his memorable performances in films such as ‘Bawarchi’ (1972), where he played a music director, and ‘Sholay’ (1975), where his portrayal of an eccentric jail warden became iconic. His role in ‘Chupke Chupke’ (1975) further cemented his reputation as a master of comedy. In the 2000s, Asrani continued to shine in films like ‘Hera Pheri’ (2000) and ‘Malamaal Weekly’ (2006), where his comedic brilliance stood out amidst ensemble casts.
Asrani’s contributions to Indian cinema have left a lasting impact, and his absence will be deeply felt by fans and colleagues alike. His ability to bring laughter to the screen remains unmatched, ensuring his place as one of Bollywood’s greatest comedy legends.