In a sharp escalation of tensions between the United States and Colombia, former President Donald Trump announced on Sunday his intention to slash U.S. funding to the South American nation, accusing Colombian President Gustavo Petro of failing to curb drug production. Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, labeled Petro as “an illegal drug dealer” and criticized him as “low rated and very unpopular.” He warned that if Petro does not act to shut down drug operations, the U.S. would intervene, albeit in a manner that “won’t be done nicely.” Trump also misspelled Colombia as “Columbia” in his initial post, which he later corrected. Colombia’s Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez defended the country’s efforts, stating that Colombia has “used all its capabilities” and sacrificed lives in the fight against drug trafficking. Trump’s remarks come amid growing friction between the two nations, with the U.S. recently conducting military strikes targeting alleged drug traffickers in Colombian waters. Earlier, Petro accused the U.S. of assassination following a strike that killed a Colombian fisherman, Alejandro Carranza, whom Petro claimed had no ties to drug trafficking. The U.S. has repatriated survivors of recent strikes, including an Ecuadorian man, Andrés Fernando Tufiño Chila, who was found to be in good health. Meanwhile, Colombia remains the world’s largest exporter of cocaine, with coca cultivation reaching record levels last year, according to the United Nations.
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Why John Bolton case is more serious than those against other Trump critics
Former national security adviser John Bolton appeared in court on Friday, pleading not guilty to 18 federal charges related to the alleged mishandling of classified information. This indictment marks a significant development in a series of legal actions against critics of former President Donald Trump, raising questions about the intersection of justice and political motivations. Bolton, a vocal Trump critic, has been accused of improperly retaining and transmitting classified documents, including top-secret materials, to family members using insecure methods such as AOL. Prosecutors allege that his actions posed a national security risk, with one incident involving a hacker accessing his account and threatening to cause a major scandal. Legal experts note that while the charges against Bolton appear more substantial than those previously brought against other Trump critics, such as former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, the timing of the indictment has fueled speculation about political influence. Trump has publicly expressed his desire to see his opponents prosecuted, and the Justice Department’s actions have drawn scrutiny. However, analysts emphasize that the case against Bolton follows established legal protocols, with the indictment providing detailed allegations. The outcome of this high-profile case could set a precedent for how classified information mishandling is addressed, particularly involving high-ranking officials. Bolton’s trial will be closely watched as it unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing political tensions in the United States.
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Gaza-Egypt border crossing will remain closed, says Israel PM Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Saturday that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed indefinitely. The reopening, he stated, hinges on Hamas returning the bodies of deceased hostages. This announcement followed a conflicting statement from the Palestinian embassy in Egypt, which had earlier indicated that the crossing would reopen on Monday for entry into Gaza. Hamas swiftly condemned Netanyahu’s decision, labeling it a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire agreement and a breach of commitments made to mediators. The group also warned that the continued closure would hinder the entry of essential equipment needed to locate and recover more hostage remains buried under rubble, further delaying the process. Earlier on Saturday, Hamas confirmed it would hand over two additional hostage bodies, bringing the total to 12 out of 28 bodies returned under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal agreed upon last week. The dispute over the return of bodies underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and poses a significant risk to the broader agreement, which includes President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the conflict. As part of the deal, Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons. However, Israel has criticized Hamas for the slow pace of returning deceased hostages’ bodies, citing the challenges of locating remains amid Gaza’s widespread destruction. The agreement also stipulates that Israel return 360 bodies of Palestinian militants for each Israeli body received, with 15 bodies handed over so far. The Rafah crossing has been largely closed since May 2024, and the ceasefire deal includes provisions to increase aid into Gaza, where hundreds of thousands face famine. Despite recent aid increases, the UN World Food Programme reports that the current levels remain insufficient. Key issues in Trump’s plan, including Hamas’s disarmament, Gaza’s governance, and the creation of a Palestinian state, remain unresolved, highlighting the formidable obstacles to achieving lasting peace.
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South African rowers of color become first to compete at Charles, part of larger trend toward access
In a groundbreaking moment for diversity in elite sports, four South African rowers are set to make history at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston this weekend. Representing the first crew of color from South Africa to compete internationally, their participation underscores a global effort to dismantle barriers in a sport historically dominated by white athletes. Originating from British colonial traditions, competitive rowing has long excluded marginalized communities, but recent initiatives aim to reshape its future. This year’s regatta also features other historic firsts, including the first all-Black women’s 8+ from the U.S., an indigenous 4+, and a native women’s 4+. Lwazi-Tsebo Zwane, a 23-year-old rower from Germiston, South Africa, emphasized the significance of their journey, stating, ‘It takes a lot to be at this regatta. There’s been a lot of pitfalls, there’s been a lot of barriers.’ Zwane and his teammates are acutely aware of their role as inspirations for younger rowers, particularly in communities where access to resources is limited. Structural challenges, such as the high cost of equipment and lack of access to waterways, persist in both South Africa and the U.S., perpetuating inequality. Arshay Cooper, founder of a foundation supporting underrepresented athletes, highlighted the need for systemic change, noting, ‘There’s talent everywhere, but not a lot of access and opportunity.’ The regatta also serves as a platform for social advocacy, with last year’s indigenous four using their participation to honor murdered and missing indigenous women. Despite recent setbacks in diversity initiatives, organizers remain committed to fostering inclusivity. Denise Aquino, co-founder of the nonprofit podcast Rowing in Color, emphasized the importance of representation, stating, ‘It’s about the young people who will see these boats and feel visibility and representation in the sport we all love.’ For Zwane and his teammates, the experience is both transformative and humbling, offering a rare glimpse into a world that remains inaccessible to many. ‘This is a luxury,’ Zwane reflected. ‘It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.’
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Dh100-million jackpot winner announced: Top 7 biggest lottery victories in the UAE
The UAE is abuzz with excitement following the announcement of its first-ever Dh100-million lottery jackpot winner. The historic event, which took place on Saturday at the UAE Lottery, has left the nation eagerly awaiting the winner’s identity. While the newest multi-millionaire remains anonymous, this monumental win has reignited interest in the country’s long history of life-changing lottery victories.
Over the years, the UAE has witnessed numerous tales of fortune and serendipity. Among the most notable is Junaid Rana, a former Pakistani driver earning less than Dh6,000 a month, who won Dh50 million in a Mahzooz live draw in October 2021. His life transformed overnight, and he now resides in Dubai with his growing family.
In January 2025, Manu Mohanan, an Indian nurse based in Bahrain, clinched a Dh30-million Big Ticket raffle. Mohanan, who had been purchasing tickets for over five years, shared the prize with 16 friends. Similarly, Mohammed Naser Balal, a Bangladeshi electrician, won Dh25 million in July 2025 after buying a ticket with a group of friends.
Other significant wins include Aravind Appukuttan, an Indian salesman from Sharjah, who took home Dh25 million in December 2024, and Tajuddin Aliyar Kunju, a 61-year-old Indian expat, who won the same amount in May 2025. Both winners shared their prizes with friends and pledged portions to charity.
The Dh20-million Big Ticket jackpot in August 2025 was claimed by Sabuj Miah Amir Hossain Dewan, a Bangladeshi tailor living in Dubai for 18 years. Jahangir Alom, another Bangladeshi, also won Dh20 million in March 2025, attributing his success to divine intervention.
Smaller yet life-changing wins include Sandeep Kumar Prasad, a 30-year-old technician from Uttar Pradesh, who won Dh15 million in September 2025, and Kathar Hussain, a car wash worker in Sharjah, who won Dh10 million in 2022.
The UAE Lottery continues to create dreams and transform lives, with each win adding to the nation’s rich tapestry of luck and fortune.
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Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Qatar talks
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following high-stakes talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey in Doha. The agreement, announced early Sunday by Qatar’s foreign ministry, comes after a week of escalating cross-border violence that claimed dozens of lives on both sides. The clashes began on October 11, shortly after explosions rocked Kabul during a visit by the Taliban’s foreign minister to India, Pakistan’s regional rival. Pakistan accused Afghanistan of sheltering militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Kabul denied these allegations. The ceasefire aims to halt the bloodshed and establish mechanisms for lasting peace and stability. Both nations have committed to follow-up meetings to ensure the ceasefire’s sustainability and verify its implementation. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the agreement and announced that the next round of talks will take place in Istanbul on October 25. He emphasized that terrorism originating from Afghan soil would cease, and both countries would respect each other’s sovereignty. The Afghan delegation, led by defence chief Mohammad Yaqoob, and Pakistan’s delegation, including intelligence chief General Asim Malik, participated in the talks. Despite the agreement, local officials in Afghanistan’s Paktika province reported that 10 civilians, including two children, were killed in Pakistani air strikes prior to the ceasefire. While the situation has begun to normalize, lingering fears of renewed violence remain among the affected populations.
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Venezuela launches defense drills amid US military threat
In a decisive move to bolster national security, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro unveiled the commencement of extensive military exercises on Saturday. Dubbed the ‘Great Corridor of the Venezuelan Plain,’ these drills are a pivotal component of the broader ‘Independence 200’ initiative, aimed at fortifying the nation’s defenses against perceived US military threats. The exercises, which span the central states of Barinas, Portuguesa, Cojedes, and Guarico, are part of a comprehensive nationwide mobilization designed to enhance Venezuela’s readiness for potential external aggression. Maduro emphasized the activation of all integral defense zones across the country, stating that 27 fundamental defense tasks have been successfully completed. The president underscored the seamless coordination among civilian, police, and military sectors, describing it as ‘a perfect and organized fusion’ to protect national sovereignty and internal stability. Maduro reiterated Venezuela’s commitment to peace, pointing to what he termed as a US military buildup in the Caribbean near Venezuelan waters. The drills aim to achieve ‘the optimal level of readiness’ through widespread civic participation and territorial coordination, ensuring the nation’s preparedness in the face of escalating tensions.
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North Korean soldier defects to South Korea across the rivals’ heavily fortified border
In a rare event, a North Korean soldier defected to South Korea by crossing the heavily fortified border on Sunday, according to South Korea’s military. The Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that the soldier, who traversed the central portion of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), expressed a strong desire to resettle in South Korea. This marks the first reported defection via the land border since August 2024, when a North Korean staff sergeant fled through the eastern section. Despite these incidents, defections across the DMZ remain uncommon due to its extreme security measures, including land mines, tank traps, barbed wire fences, and combat troops. In 2017, a similar attempt resulted in North Korean soldiers firing approximately 40 rounds at a fleeing soldier before South Korean forces could rescue him. The vast majority of the 34,000 North Koreans who have defected to South Korea since the Korean War have done so via China, which shares a porous border with North Korea. Relations between the two Koreas remain tense, with North Korea consistently rejecting reconciliation efforts by South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung, who assumed office in June with a pledge to restore dialogue.
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Five days to go: Charming Beijing, Shared with the World
With just five days remaining until the grand unveiling, Beijing is poised to captivate the world with its unique charm and cultural richness. The event, titled ‘Charming Beijing, Shared with the World,’ promises to highlight the city’s historical significance, modern innovations, and global influence. As preparations reach their final stages, international attention is increasingly focused on the Chinese capital, which aims to foster deeper cultural exchanges and mutual understanding. The initiative underscores Beijing’s commitment to playing a pivotal role on the global stage, offering a platform for dialogue and collaboration. This event is not just a celebration of Beijing’s heritage but also a testament to its vision of a shared future with the international community.
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Louvre Museum closes after theft
In a shocking incident on Sunday, the Louvre Museum in Paris fell victim to a meticulously planned robbery, prompting its immediate closure. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the theft on social media platform X, stating that the crime occurred during the museum’s opening hours. Authorities are currently investigating the heist, with no reports of injuries. According to French daily Le Parisien, the perpetrators entered the museum through its Seine-facing facade, where ongoing construction provided an opportunity for access. Using a freight elevator, they reportedly reached the Apollo Gallery, where they shattered windows and stole nine pieces from the historic jewellery collection of Napoleon and the Empress. The Apollo Gallery is renowned for its display of the French Crown Jewels, making the theft particularly significant. The Louvre, which attracts up to 30,000 visitors daily, has a storied history of thefts, including the infamous 1911 disappearance of the Mona Lisa. This latest incident underscores ongoing security challenges faced by the museum, which houses over 33,000 priceless works of art spanning ancient civilizations to European masterpieces.