Thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Skopje, North Macedonia, on Saturday, demanding accountability for the victims of the nation’s deadliest nightclub fire. The tragic incident, which occurred on March 16, claimed 63 lives and left over 200 injured after a pyrotechnic display ignited the roof of the crowded Pulse club in Kocani. The fire triggered a stampede, with most victims being young revelers. As the trial of the club owner and 33 others approaches, families of the victims, dressed in black, marched to the Criminal Court, holding banners adorned with photos of their loved ones. Parents accused corruption and greed of playing a role in the tragedy, citing the venue’s numerous safety violations and improper licensing. In a heartfelt video message, they vowed to fight against the systemic corruption they believe led to their children’s deaths. The defendants, including security guards, former mayors, and government officials, face charges of serious crimes against public security, with potential prison sentences of up to 10 years. North Macedonia, ranked 88th on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, has long struggled with corruption, with bribes to bypass safety regulations being commonplace. The European Union has repeatedly flagged corruption as a significant barrier to the country’s EU accession, a process it has been pursuing since 2005.
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UAE’s homegrown specialty roastery elevates coffee culture with immersive ‘Farm to Cup’ showcase
The Brew Crew Coffee, a UAE-based specialty coffee brand, recently hosted an interactive event to highlight its ‘Farm to Cup’ philosophy, emphasizing transparency, sustainability, and craftsmanship in coffee production. The event, held at the company’s flagship roastery and concept space, brought together media representatives, coffee enthusiasts, and hospitality professionals for an immersive experience into the brand’s sourcing, roasting, and flavor profiling processes. Unlike traditional press conferences, the showcase offered a hands-on journey through every stage of coffee production, from farm-level sourcing to final preparation. Founded by brothers Ashjeet Singh Talwar and Sukhjeet Singh Talwar, The Brew Crew Coffee leverages their multi-generational expertise in the international coffee trade to create a consumer-facing brand rooted in integrity and education. Ashjeet Singh Talwar emphasized the brand’s commitment to quality and traceability, stating, ‘Farm to Cup represents our dedication to showcasing the real story behind every roast.’ Sukhjeet Talwar added that the event aimed to engage audiences in the coffee-making process, differentiating the brand in the UAE’s growing specialty coffee market. Since its inception, The Brew Crew Coffee has expanded its presence by offering training workshops, cupping sessions, and customized roasting solutions for B2B and hospitality partners. The brand’s focus on education and collaboration continues to drive its growth in both retail and wholesale segments, reinforcing its vision of making specialty coffee accessible, authentic, and sustainable.
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Bollywood couple Rajkummar Rao, Patralekhaa welcome baby girl on 4th wedding anniversary
Bollywood power couple Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa have joyfully welcomed their first child, a baby girl, on their fourth wedding anniversary. The couple shared the heartwarming news on Saturday, expressing their gratitude for the divine blessing. ‘The greatest gift God has given us on our 4th wedding anniversary,’ they wrote, marking the special occasion with immense happiness. The announcement was met with an outpouring of love and congratulations from fans and fellow celebrities alike, including Suniel Shetty, Sonam Kapoor, Dia Mirza, and many others. Filmmaker Farah Khan Kunder also extended her warm wishes, sharing glimpses from Patralekhaa’s baby shower. The event, attended by close friends and family, featured the couple dressed in matching yellow outfits, posing with a beautifully decorated cake, balloons, a giant teddy bear, and other festive elements. A group photo from the shower included notable Bollywood figures such as Huma Qureshi, Sonakshi Sinha, and Zaheer Iqbal. Rajkummar and Patralekhaa, who first shared the screen in the 2014 film ‘Citylights’, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Chandigarh on November 15, 2021. On the professional front, Rajkummar has recently wrapped up filming for his upcoming movie, ‘Nikam’, adding another milestone to his illustrious career.
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Big Ticket brings the spirit of the season to life with a race and luxury yacht experience
As the UAE embraces the cooler November air and the excitement of National Day, Big Ticket has unveiled an extraordinary promotion to elevate the season’s festivities. The Race and Luxury Yacht Experience, a first-of-its-kind initiative, offers 30 winners and their guests an unparalleled weekend of opulence in Abu Dhabi. From November 1 to 21, every ticket purchase automatically enters participants into a special e-draw. Winners will receive Dh10,000 in cash and an all-expenses-paid trip to Yas Marina for the December 6–7 race weekend, including a three-night stay at a 5-star hotel, concert access, and transportation. For international participants, return flights and airport transfers are also provided. The highlight of the experience is a two-day luxury yacht event, where winners can compete for additional cash prizes of Dh250,000, awarded live on both days. The winners’ names will be announced on December 1, perfectly timed for the long weekend celebrations. For those who miss the early draw, tickets purchased before November 30 will enter the Dh25 million grand prize draw on December 3, with ten winners each taking home Dh100,000. Car enthusiasts are also in for a treat with Big Ticket’s Dream Car Series, featuring the Maserati Grecale in December and the BMW 430i in January. A special buy 2, get 2 free offer this month further enhances the chances of winning. Whether it’s the thrill of the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025, the allure of a luxury yacht, or the dream of substantial winnings, Big Ticket is making November an unforgettable month. Tickets are available online at www.bigticket.ae and at Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.
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Watch: Prophet’s mosque in Madinah soaked in rain; Saudi NCM issues red alert
The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, one of Islam’s holiest sites, experienced heavy rainfall on November 14, creating a serene atmosphere for worshippers performing the weekly Friday prayer. The Saudi National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued a red alert for Madinah on Saturday, warning of severe weather conditions. Similar alerts were issued for Makkah, where high-speed winds, reduced visibility, hail, and flash floods were reported. The Saudi General Directorate of Traffic urged motorists to exercise caution during the adverse weather. Earlier, mosques across Saudi Arabia conducted special rain-seeking prayers following a directive from King Salman bin Abdul Aziz. Similar prayers were held in Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, reflecting a regional tradition of seeking divine intervention for rain.
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Epstein files: Who else was mentioned?
The release of over 20,000 pages of documents from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein has unveiled a web of connections involving prominent figures from politics, media, and entertainment. Among the names mentioned are former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, former White House counsel Kathryn Ruemmler, and journalist Michael Wolff. These documents, made public by Congress, shed light on Epstein’s extensive network and his interactions with influential individuals. Michael Wolff, known for his controversial book ‘Fire and Fury,’ revealed that he had corresponded with Epstein, discussing strategies related to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Wolff disclosed that he had advised Epstein on how to handle questions about Trump’s relationship with the disgraced financier. Larry Summers, who served under President Bill Clinton, was also implicated, with emails showing frequent dinners and discussions about global figures. Summers has expressed regret over his association with Epstein. Kathryn Ruemmler, who served as White House counsel under Barack Obama, was involved in discussions about hush-money payments made by Trump to Stormy Daniels. Ruemmler has since stated her regret for knowing Epstein. The documents also mention billionaire investor Peter Thiel, who was invited by Epstein to visit his Caribbean island, though Thiel denies ever going. Linguist Noam Chomsky was also found to have corresponded with Epstein, discussing various topics including Trump. The revelations continue to highlight the far-reaching influence of Epstein and the complex relationships he maintained with some of the world’s most powerful individuals.
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Sino-foreign educators expand intl vocational training cooperation
In a significant move to bolster global vocational education, Sino-foreign officials and educators have pledged to deepen exchanges and cooperation. This initiative aims to cultivate interdisciplinary talents that align with the evolving demands of modern education, driven by increasing global collaboration. Fang Shusheng, an inspector at the Guangdong provincial department of education, emphasized the critical role of openness and cooperation in the education sector. He urged universities and colleges worldwide to adopt a broader global perspective to advance the internationalization of vocational education. Fang made these remarks at the Guangdong Province ‘Belt and Road’ Vocational Education Alliance 2025 Annual Activities held in Guangzhou. Ma Renting, president of Guangzhou Polytechnic University, highlighted the university’s extensive cooperative relations with over 20 countries and regions, creating a robust platform that spans major Belt and Road Initiative participants. He stressed the importance of Sino-foreign cooperative education in systematically cultivating professionals proficient in Chinese, familiar with the culture, and skilled in specialized technologies. Sounantha Souvanlasy, dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Health Sciences in Laos, noted the in-depth exchanges with Guangdong Food and Drug Vocational College, resulting in a basic cooperation agreement. This collaboration is expected to complement each other’s strengths, pursue common development, and extend educational cooperation in the medical and health field between China and Laos. The event, attended by over 200 representatives from 42 domestic and 15 overseas universities and colleges, along with 20 cooperative enterprises, featured keynote speeches, expert lectures, and round-table meetings. Seven cooperation projects were signed, covering university-university partnerships, university-enterprise collaboration, and international order-based training programs, aligning with the needs of international vocational education cooperation and industrial development directions. These agreements are set to expand the breadth and depth of Guangdong’s international vocational education cooperation.
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Pope Leo XIV celebrates cinema with Hollywood stars and urges inclusion of marginal voices
In a historic gathering at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV welcomed a constellation of Hollywood stars, including Spike Lee, Cate Blanchett, and Greta Gerwig, to a special audience celebrating the transformative power of cinema. The event, organized by the Vatican’s culture ministry, underscored the Church’s commitment to engaging with the secular world through art and culture. Pope Leo, the first American pope, emphasized the profound impact of film as a universal medium that can challenge, inspire, and unite. He urged filmmakers to amplify marginalized voices and described cinema as “a popular art in the noblest sense, intended for and accessible to all.” The pontiff also expressed concern over the decline of movie theaters, calling on institutions to preserve their cultural and social significance. The audience, which included Italian stars like Monica Bellucci and Alba Rohrwacher, as well as American actors such as Chris O’Donnell and Judd Apatow, highlighted the Vatican’s efforts to foster dialogue with the global cultural community. Spike Lee, who presented Pope Leo with a Knicks jersey, and Cate Blanchett, who praised the pope’s understanding of cinema’s unifying role, were among the many attendees inspired by the event. Archbishop Paul Tighe, a key organizer, noted the challenges of assembling the guest list but expressed pride in the turnout, which he described as a celebration of cinema’s democratic and inclusive nature.
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Japanese PM’s erroneous remarks on Taiwan continue to spark domestic outcry, stern Chinese warnings
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments on Taiwan have ignited a wave of domestic criticism and drawn stern warnings from China. Speaking at a Diet meeting last week, Takaichi suggested that Japan’s Self-Defense Force could exercise the right of collective self-defense if China were to use military force against Taiwan. Despite China’s strong objections and diplomatic protests, Takaichi has refused to retract her remarks, which imply potential armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Her statements have been labeled as both erroneous and dangerous by senior political figures and media outlets in Japan. Former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba criticized Takaichi’s comments as dangerously close to equating a Taiwan contingency with a Japan contingency, a stance previous governments had carefully avoided. Hiroshi Ogushi of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan demanded Takaichi revoke her remarks, emphasizing the gravity of such declarations. Ichiro Ozawa, another CDPJ member, warned that such rhetoric could lead to significant sacrifices for the Japanese people. Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama reiterated that Japan should not interfere in China’s internal affairs. Major Japanese newspapers, including the Nikkei and Yomiuri Shimbun, have also condemned Takaichi’s abandonment of ‘strategic ambiguity’ and her exploitation of security policy for political gain.
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Congo and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels sign framework for peace deal, but tensions remain
In a significant development aimed at ending decades of conflict in eastern Congo, the Congolese government and the Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 signed a framework agreement for a peace deal on Saturday. The agreement, mediated by Qatar and signed in Doha, outlines protocols and a timeline for future negotiations but does not yet constitute a final peace accord. Benjamin Mbonimpa, head of the M23 delegation, emphasized that the framework includes eight protocols addressing the root causes of the conflict, though specific details remain undisclosed. Mbonimpa stated that no changes or activities would occur on the ground until each protocol is thoroughly debated and a final agreement is reached. A key objective of the framework is the joint management of rebel-held areas by the Congolese government and M23, according to Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the rebels. M23, supported by Rwanda, is the most prominent among over 100 armed groups vying for control in Congo’s mineral-rich east, which has displaced 7 million people and been labeled by the U.N. as one of the world’s most complex humanitarian crises. Earlier this year, the conflict escalated when M23 seized Goma and Bukavu, two strategic cities in eastern Congo. Qatar has hosted multiple rounds of talks since April to establish preconditions for peace and confidence-building measures, though both sides continue to accuse each other of prolonging the conflict. In July, Congo and M23 signed a declaration of principles in Qatar, committing to a comprehensive peace agreement that would restore state authority in rebel-controlled areas and facilitate prisoner exchanges. Despite agreeing to finalize a deal by August 18, the deadline was missed due to mutual accusations of violating peace terms. In October, the two sides agreed to establish an oversight body for a potential permanent ceasefire. Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump, attended the signing ceremony in Doha and described the framework as a “starting point” and a “historic” opportunity. The Trump administration has played a key role in mediating between Rwanda and Congo, leading to a peace deal between the two nations in June.