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  • City boss Guardiola warns against overdependence on Haaland

    City boss Guardiola warns against overdependence on Haaland

    Despite Erling Haaland’s stellar performance, scoring a brace in Manchester City’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton, manager Pep Guardiola emphasized the need for the team to reduce its reliance on the Norwegian striker. Haaland, 25, has been in exceptional form this season, netting 23 goals for both club and country. However, the rest of the squad has struggled to contribute, with no other player scoring more than once in the league. Guardiola highlighted missed opportunities by Savinho, Jeremy Doku, and Tijjani Reijnders, stressing that such chances must be capitalized on at the highest level. ‘We cannot rely solely on Haaland. Wingers and attacking midfielders must step up and score goals,’ Guardiola stated. Defender Ruben Dias echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collective contribution. Guardiola praised the team’s improved delivery to Haaland in the second half, acknowledging his pivotal role. Haaland leads the league with 11 goals in eight games, a feat only he has achieved three times in Premier League history. Midfielder Phil Foden lauded Haaland as a ‘world-class striker,’ always present at crucial moments. After a disappointing third-place finish last season, City is now unbeaten in eight games across all competitions, with Haaland’s form reigniting their title aspirations. ‘Erling lives for it,’ Guardiola remarked, highlighting his importance to the team’s success.

  • Limp Bizkit band members say bass player Sam Rivers has died

    Limp Bizkit band members say bass player Sam Rivers has died

    The music world is in mourning following the passing of Sam Rivers, the bassist for the iconic nu metal band Limp Bizkit. Rivers died on Saturday, as confirmed by heartfelt tributes from his bandmates on social media. While the exact location and circumstances of his death remain undisclosed, the band honored him as “pure magic” and “the soul in the sound.” In a collective Instagram post, they reminisced about his unparalleled talent and enduring influence, stating, “From the first note we ever played together, Sam brought a light and a rhythm that could never be replaced. His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, his heart enormous.”

    Fred Durst, the band’s lead vocalist, shared a poignant video recounting their early days meeting at a club in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and their subsequent rise to global stardom. Durst emphasized Rivers’ lasting legacy, saying, “He really did have an impact on the world, and his music and his gift are the ones that’s going to keep on giving. I just love him so much.”

    Rivers had previously opened up about his struggles with heavy drinking, which led to liver disease. He stepped away from the band in 2015 to undergo a liver transplant before rejoining Limp Bizkit in 2018. Despite his health challenges, Rivers continued to contribute to the band’s unique sound, which blends alternative rock, heavy metal, and rap. Known for their eccentric humor, Limp Bizkit gained fame with albums like the 2000 mega-hit “Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water” and their recent single, “Making Love to Morgan Wallen.”

    As the band prepares for an upcoming tour of Central and South America, set to kick off in Mexico City in late November, they carry forward the indelible mark left by Rivers’ artistry and spirit.

  • Thieves hit the Louvre again. Here’s a look at other famous heists in museums worldwide

    Thieves hit the Louvre again. Here’s a look at other famous heists in museums worldwide

    In a brazen act of theft, nine pieces from the historic jewelry collection of Napoleon and the Empress were stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday morning. The perpetrators reportedly used a basket lift to access the museum, targeting the Galerie d’Apollon, where part of the French Crown Jewels are displayed. The incident occurred while tourists were inside the gallery, prompting the museum to close for the day as police secured the premises and evacuated visitors. This heist adds to the Louvre’s long history of thefts, including the infamous 1911 disappearance of the Mona Lisa, which was stolen by a former worker and recovered two years later in Florence. The incident underscores the vulnerability of even the most secure cultural institutions. Meanwhile, other notable art heists include the unsolved 1990 theft of 13 works from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, valued at half a billion dollars, and the 2017 theft of a 100-kilogram solid-gold coin from Berlin’s Bode Museum. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges museums face in protecting priceless artifacts from determined thieves.

  • Ministry exposes US plot to tamper with Beijing Time

    Ministry exposes US plot to tamper with Beijing Time

    China’s Ministry of State Security has unveiled a series of cyberattacks orchestrated by the United States National Security Agency (NSA) against the National Time Service Center in Xi’an, Shaanxi province. Since 2022, the NSA has targeted the center, which is responsible for maintaining Beijing Time, a critical component of China’s national infrastructure. The attacks, if successful, could have disrupted network communications, financial systems, power grids, transportation networks, and even space launches, according to the ministry’s investigation. The National Time Service Center plays a pivotal role in providing precision time services essential for sectors such as communications, finance, electricity, transportation, mapping, and defense. The ministry warned that such cyberattacks could trigger international time chaos, with far-reaching and unpredictable consequences. The NSA reportedly exploited vulnerabilities in a foreign cellphone brand’s messaging service in March 2022 to gain control over mobile devices of center staff, stealing sensitive information. From April 2023, the NSA repeatedly infiltrated the center’s computer systems using stolen credentials. Between August 2023 and June 2024, the NSA deployed a new cyber warfare platform with 42 specialized tools to target the center’s High-Precision Ground-Based Timing System. The attacks were often timed during late-night to early-morning hours in Beijing, using virtual private servers in the US, Europe, and Asia to mask their origin. The US also employed tactics like forging digital certificates and using strong encryption to erase evidence. Following the discovery of these attacks, the Chinese national security agency guided the center to enhance its cybersecurity measures. The ministry accused the US of pursuing cyber hegemony, violating international norms, and targeting critical infrastructure worldwide. It also highlighted the US’s use of technical bases in Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan to launch attacks while maintaining plausible deniability. The report concluded that the US, despite its accusations of a ‘China cyber threat,’ is the true ‘hacker empire’ and the primary source of global cyberspace instability.

  • Madrid’s annual ‘Transhumance’ festival of sheep and goats draws huge crowds

    Madrid’s annual ‘Transhumance’ festival of sheep and goats draws huge crowds

    Madrid’s bustling streets took on a pastoral charm this Sunday as a flock of sheep and goats paraded through the Spanish capital, marking the annual Transhumance Festival. This unique event, which honors the region’s rural heritage, drew thousands of spectators who marveled at the sight of 1,100 Merino sheep and 200 goats trotting past iconic landmarks, accompanied by the sounds of bells, bleats, and traditional horn music. The festival recreates the ancient practice of transhumance—moving livestock between seasonal grazing grounds—while highlighting its environmental benefits, such as reducing wildfire risks by clearing flammable undergrowth. Juan García Vicente, a long-time participant and environmentalist, emphasized the festival’s relevance amid Spain’s recent devastating wildfire season, calling for greater efforts to combat climate change and preserve rural traditions. The event also includes a symbolic payment of 50 maravedis, a medieval coin, to Madrid’s city hall, a tradition dating back to a 1418 agreement between the city and shepherds. Since its inception in 1994, the festival has become a cherished cultural event, celebrated not only in Madrid but also in towns across Italy, France, and California. Despite its modern decline due to industrialized farming, transhumance remains a vital practice for a small group of farmers who value its ecological and cultural significance. For attendees like American tourist Jennifer Granda, the festival offered a fascinating glimpse into Spain’s agricultural heritage, while locals like Ana Vásquez appreciated its nostalgic charm and connection to tradition.

  • Taliban and Pakistan agree to ceasefire after days of deadly clashes

    Taliban and Pakistan agree to ceasefire after days of deadly clashes

    In a significant development, the Taliban-led government of Afghanistan and Pakistan have reached an ‘immediate ceasefire’ agreement following over a week of intense and deadly clashes along their shared border. The truce was brokered through mediation efforts by Qatar and Turkey, with both nations committing to establish mechanisms aimed at fostering long-term peace and stability. Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesperson, emphasized the importance of ending ‘hostile actions,’ while Pakistan’s Foreign Minister hailed the agreement as a ‘first step in the right direction.’

    The recent conflict, the most severe since the Taliban regained power in 2021, saw both sides claiming heavy casualties. Pakistan has long accused the Taliban of sheltering armed groups responsible for attacks on its soil, a charge the Taliban denies. Tensions escalated after the Taliban alleged that Pakistan carried out attacks on Kabul, the Afghan capital. Rumors suggested the strikes targeted Noor Wali Mehsud, leader of the Pakistan Taliban, but a voice note purportedly from Mehsud dismissed these claims.

    In the ensuing days, Afghan forces targeted Pakistani border posts, prompting retaliatory mortar fire and drone strikes from Pakistan. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported at least three dozen civilian deaths and hundreds injured. Despite a temporary truce declared during talks in Doha, cross-border strikes persisted, culminating in a Pakistani air strike that killed eight, including three local cricket players.

    Under the new agreement, the Taliban pledged not to support groups attacking Pakistan, and both sides agreed to avoid targeting each other’s security forces, civilians, or critical infrastructure. Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, stated that the ceasefire would halt ‘terrorism from Afghanistan on Pakistan’s soil,’ with further talks scheduled in Istanbul next week.

    The relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban has been fraught since the latter’s return to power. Pakistan, once a key supporter of the Taliban, has accused the group of harboring the Pakistan Taliban, which has launched over 600 attacks on Pakistani forces in the past year, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project. This ceasefire marks a critical, albeit fragile, step toward de-escalation in a region long plagued by instability.

  • Man arrested after cocaine worth €14.2m seized

    Man arrested after cocaine worth €14.2m seized

    In a significant operation at Rosslare Europort in County Wexford, Irish revenue officers intercepted a substantial quantity of suspected cocaine, weighing approximately 202.5 kilograms. The discovery was made during a routine search of a lorry that had just disembarked from a ferry. The seized drugs, estimated to be worth €14.2 million (£12.3 million), mark one of the largest narcotics hauls in recent Irish history. Following the seizure, Gardaí (Irish police) arrested a man in his 30s, who is currently being held at a local garda station. Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with further details expected to emerge as the case progresses. This operation underscores the continued efforts by Irish law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and organized crime within the Republic of Ireland.

  • Vance celebrates US Marines 250th anniversary with live artillery demo

    Vance celebrates US Marines 250th anniversary with live artillery demo

    Vice President JD Vance marked the 250th anniversary of the US Marine Corps with a grand celebration at Camp Pendleton in Southern California, featuring a live artillery demonstration. The event, which included fighter jets, Navy vessels, helicopters, and live fire from a towed howitzer, was the largest of its kind in the continental US in a decade. However, the demonstration drew sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who condemned the exercise for closing a section of Interstate 5, citing extreme safety risks and distractions for drivers. Newsom, a Democrat, labeled the live fire over a busy highway as ‘dangerous.’ Vance’s office countered these claims, accusing Newsom of fear-mongering and emphasizing the importance of military training exercises. During his speech, Vance reflected on his own Marine Corps service, praised the military’s role in shaping his life, and criticized what he termed as ‘woke’ aspects of the military, aligning with the Trump administration’s focus on eliminating diversity initiatives. He also blamed Democrats, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, for the recent government shutdown, assuring troops that President Trump is committed to ensuring they receive their due pay. Despite the political undertones, the event highlighted the Marine Corps’ legacy and its significance in American history.

  • UAE: Man fined Dh20,000 for posting woman’s photos online without her consent

    UAE: Man fined Dh20,000 for posting woman’s photos online without her consent

    In a landmark ruling, the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Claims Court has fined a man Dh20,000 for posting a woman’s photos and videos on social media without her consent. The court found that the defendant’s actions violated the plaintiff’s privacy, causing her significant moral and psychological harm. The ruling, issued on October 16, 2025, followed a thorough review of both criminal and civil aspects of the case. The woman had initially filed a lawsuit after discovering that her images had been shared online, leading to emotional distress and reputational damage. The defendant had previously been convicted by the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court for breaching the woman’s privacy, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeal in March 2025. The civil court emphasized that the compensation awarded must be proportionate to the harm caused. While the plaintiff sought Dh50,000 in damages, the court determined that Dh20,000 was sufficient to address the emotional and reputational impact. The ruling was based on Article 282 of the Federal Civil Transactions Law, which mandates compensation for any harm caused to another person, regardless of intent. This case highlights the UAE’s stringent privacy laws, which criminalize the unauthorized sharing of personal data, images, or messages. Legal experts warn that such actions can result in fines up to Dh500,000, imprisonment, or even deportation for non-citizens. The court’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the legal and financial consequences of violating privacy in the UAE.

  • Dubai: Can patients take legal action if insurance company rejects prescribed procedures?

    Dubai: Can patients take legal action if insurance company rejects prescribed procedures?

    In Dubai, patients facing the rejection of essential medical procedures by their insurance companies have legal avenues to address such disputes. According to Article 13 (1), (2), and (3) of Dubai Health Insurance Law No. 11 of 2013, insurance providers are mandated to cover health benefits, including emergency treatments from out-of-network providers until the beneficiary’s life is no longer at risk. Additionally, insurers must ensure that beneficiaries can access all rights stipulated in their health insurance policies. Article 20 further reinforces this obligation, stating that the insurer must bear the cost of health benefits as per the policy terms. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has established a dispute resolution system under Article 21, which requires parties to utilize this mechanism before pursuing judicial or arbitral remedies. Complaints to the Dubai Health Insurance Corporation (DHIC) must include personal details, a clear description of the issue, supporting documents, and be written in Arabic or both Arabic and English, as per Article 28 (b) of Administrative Resolution No. (78) of 2022. Patients whose claims are unjustly denied should first submit a written complaint to the insurer with medical documentation. If unresolved, they can escalate the matter to the DHA or seek independent legal advice to assess potential breaches of contractual and statutory obligations. It is crucial for patients to review their insurance policies to confirm coverage for prescribed treatments. Ashish Mehta, founder of Ashish Mehta & Associates, emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s legal rights in such scenarios.