Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues has revealed her battle with anxiety during the Women’s World Cup, crediting her resilience and support system for her triumphant return to form. Rodrigues, who was dropped earlier in the tournament, staged a remarkable comeback with an unbeaten 127 runs in the semi-final against Australia, propelling India to a historic five-wicket victory. This win, achieved at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, secured India’s place in the final against South Africa on Sunday. The 25-year-old all-rounder, who missed the 2022 edition due to poor form, faced immense pressure playing on home soil. After inconsistent performances, including two ducks and a pair of 30s, she was benched for India’s group-stage match against England. Rodrigues admitted to breaking down in calls to her parents as she grappled with the stress. ‘I am so blessed to have friends and family I can call. It’s okay to ask for help,’ she said, holding back tears. A composed 76 not out against New Zealand restored her confidence, setting the stage for her semi-final heroics. Rodrigues emphasized that her sole motivation was to ensure India’s victory, not personal milestones. Both India and South Africa will compete for their first Women’s World Cup title, as no team outside Australia, England, or New Zealand has ever won the tournament since its inception in 1973.
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French minister vows Louvre anti-intrusion devices after post-heist report finds security lapses
In response to the high-profile theft of crown jewels on October 19, the Louvre Museum in Paris is set to implement enhanced security measures, including streetside anti-ramming and anti-intrusion devices, within the next two months. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati announced the initiative on Friday, addressing concerns over the museum’s security vulnerabilities. The decision follows a provisional investigation that revealed a ‘chronic, structural underestimation’ of theft risks at the iconic Parisian landmark. Dati acknowledged that alarms were functional during the robbery but highlighted four critical failings: underestimated risk, inadequate security equipment, unsuitable governance, and outdated protocols. She emphasized the urgency of installing anti-ramming devices on public roads by year-end. The thieves reportedly used a truck-mounted basket lift to access a window in the Apollo Gallery, making off with eight pieces of crown jewels in mere minutes. The French Senate has since scrutinized surveillance gaps and accountability, with some lawmakers and unions questioning whether the proposed measures represent meaningful reform or merely symbolic gestures. Louvre Director Laurence des Cars has advocated for physical barriers to prevent vehicles from parking near vulnerable windows, underscoring the need for long-term security improvements.
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China sends astronauts — and mice — on its latest space station mission
China has successfully launched the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, marking another milestone in its ambitious space program. The mission, which took off at 11:44 p.m. local time on Friday from the Jiuquan launch center in northwestern China, is sending three astronauts and four mice to the Tiangong space station. The crew includes mission commander Zhang Lu, a veteran of the Shenzhou-15 mission, alongside first-time astronauts Wu Fei, a 32-year-old engineer, and Zhang Hongzhang, a payload specialist with a background in new energy and materials research. The astronauts are expected to stay aboard the station for approximately six months, conducting 27 scientific experiments in fields such as biotechnology, aerospace medicine, and materials science. Notably, this mission includes the first-ever mice sent to China’s space station, with the aim of studying the effects of weightlessness and confinement on their behavior. The mice, selected from 300 candidates after rigorous training, will remain in space for five to seven days before returning to Earth. China’s space program, a source of national pride, continues to advance, with plans to land astronauts on the moon by 2030. The Tiangong space station, entirely Chinese-built, underscores China’s growing role in space exploration, particularly after being excluded from the International Space Station due to U.S. security concerns. Additionally, China is collaborating with Pakistan to train two Pakistani astronauts, one of whom may visit the Tiangong station in the future.
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US Senate votes to eliminate Trump’s global tariffs
In a significant political development, the US Senate voted 51-47 on Thursday to terminate the national emergency declaration that President Donald Trump used to justify imposing global tariffs in early April. This move, largely symbolic due to prior House restrictions on blocking such tariffs, saw four Republicans join Democrats in supporting the resolution. The vote underscores growing bipartisan dissent against Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, which have aimed to reshape US trade relationships. Earlier in the week, the Senate also passed two resolutions to eliminate duties on goods from Canada and Brazil, further signaling lawmakers’ pushback. Trump’s tariffs, introduced in April, included a 10% levy on all countries and additional ‘reciprocal’ tariffs on nations with significant trade imbalances with the US. The US Supreme Court is set to hear a case challenging the legality of these tariffs on November 5, following lower court rulings that deemed them illegal. According to US Customs and Border Protection, the tariffs have generated approximately $88 billion in tax revenue through August. However, the Tax Foundation warns that these tariffs could increase household taxes by over $1,600 annually and reduce GDP by 0.5% over the next decade.
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Dubai: Gold prices climb slightly; analysts predict bullish market
Gold prices in Dubai experienced a modest uptick on Friday morning, with 24K gold rising to Dh482.75 per gram, up from Dh479 the previous day. Similarly, 22K, 21K, and 18K gold prices stood at Dh447, Dh428.50, and Dh367.50 per gram, respectively. Globally, spot gold prices reached $4,010 per ounce, while silver saw a slight increase to $49.12. Analysts remain optimistic about gold’s prospects, describing the market as ‘bullish’ despite recent corrections. Joseph Dahrieh, Managing Principal at Tickmill, highlighted that central bank demand for gold remained robust, with net buying reaching 220 tonnes in Q3 2025 and 634 tonnes year-to-date. This persistent demand is driven by central banks diversifying away from the US dollar. The World Gold Council reported that total gold demand, including over-the-counter transactions, hit a record 1,313 tonnes valued at $146 billion in Q3. Dahrieh noted that the Federal Reserve’s recent interest rate cuts and ongoing geopolitical tensions could further support gold prices. However, he cautioned that trade tensions might influence the metal’s performance. The US Federal Reserve announced its second consecutive quarter-point rate cut on Wednesday, adding to the favorable macroeconomic backdrop for gold.
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Adnoc Distribution raises expansion targets and dividend outlook
Adnoc Distribution, the UAE’s largest fuel and convenience retailer, has announced its strongest quarterly earnings since its 2017 IPO. For Q3 2025, the company reported a 15.9% year-on-year increase in EBITDA, reaching $319 million, while net profit surged 21.5% to $221 million. The first nine months of 2025 also saw record results, with EBITDA rising 12% to $885 million and net profit climbing 15.6% to $579 million. This performance was driven by robust fuel volumes, network expansion, and growth in non-fuel retail, with fuel volumes hitting a historic high of 11.7 billion litres. The company added 85 new service stations in the first nine months, including 72 in Saudi Arabia, marking a 150% year-on-year increase in its network there. Adnoc Distribution has now raised its full-year expansion target to 90–100 new stations, up from the previous guidance of 60–70. At its inaugural Investor Majlis event, the company announced plans to extend its dividend policy to 2030, subject to shareholder approval. Starting Q1 2026, dividends will be paid quarterly, with a minimum commitment of $4.9 billion between 2023 and 2030. CEO Bader Saeed Al Lamki attributed the success to the company’s transformation into a mobility and convenience retail leader, emphasizing its flexible platform and long-term growth strategy. Non-fuel retail also saw significant growth, with Q3 gross profit up 14.7% year-on-year and 39.6 million transactions recorded in the first nine months, a 10.2% increase. The company relaunched its convenience store brand as ‘Oasis by Adnoc’, offering upgraded food and beverage options, and expanded its lubricant brand, Adnoc Voyager, to 50 export markets. Additionally, its E2GO network of EV charging points grew to 368 across the UAE. With nearly 980 service stations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, Adnoc Distribution is focused on innovation, regional growth, and customer-centric execution to redefine convenience and mobility in the region.
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Watch: Deadly rainfall sets record in New York City
New York City experienced unprecedented rainfall, resulting in catastrophic consequences. The torrential downpour submerged major roadways, uprooted large trees, and claimed the lives of at least two individuals. The intensity of the rainfall set a new record, overwhelming the city’s infrastructure and leaving residents in a state of emergency. Authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and coordinating relief efforts. This extreme weather event has raised concerns about the city’s preparedness for such natural disasters, especially in the face of increasingly unpredictable climate patterns. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced urban planning and disaster management strategies.
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Tecom Group posts Dh1.1 billion net profit in nine months
Tecom Group PJSC, a leading Dubai-based developer and operator of specialised business districts, has announced impressive financial results for the first nine months of 2025. The company reported a net profit of Dh1.1 billion, marking an 18% year-on-year increase. This growth was fueled by higher occupancy rates, increased rental income, and strategic portfolio expansion. Revenue for the period surged by 20% to Dh2.1 billion, while EBITDA rose to Dh1.7 billion, maintaining a robust margin of 79%. Funds from operations also grew by 16%, reaching Dh1.5 billion. The Group’s operational performance was strong across its Commercial, Industrial, and Land Lease segments. Commercial and Industrial assets achieved a 96% occupancy rate, up 2% from the previous year, while Land Lease occupancy jumped 8% to 98%. Abdulla Belhoul, CEO of Tecom Group, attributed the success to the company’s agility in navigating market dynamics and its disciplined focus on delivering customer value. He highlighted the Dh4.3 billion strategic expansion plan and Dubai’s appeal as a top destination for Greenfield FDI projects as key drivers of momentum. In Q3 2025 alone, Tecom Group generated Dh724 million in revenue, a 19% year-on-year increase, with net profit rising 10% to Dh373 million. EBITDA for the quarter reached Dh563 million, up 13% from the same period last year. A significant milestone was the Dh1.6 billion acquisition of 138 land plots in Dubai Industrial City, adding 33 million sq.ft. to its portfolio. This expansion increased the Group’s total Land Lease holdings to over 209 million sq.ft., solidifying Dubai Industrial City’s position as a hub for manufacturing and logistics. The acquisition aligns with national initiatives such as Operation 300bn, Make it in the Emirates, and the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, which aim to accelerate industrial growth in the UAE. Additionally, Tecom concluded its dividend policy with a final Dh400 million payout for H1 2025, bringing the total dividends over three years to Dh2.4 billion, in line with its commitment to shareholder returns following its 2022 listing.
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Lawyers to lodge legal action over Stardust survivors’ compensation
Survivors and families of victims from the 1981 Stardust nightclub fire in Dublin are escalating their fight for justice, as legal representatives prepare to challenge the Irish government over delays in compensation payments. Phoenix Law, acting on behalf of the injured survivors, has issued formal pre-action correspondence to Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, threatening a judicial review if the government fails to engage meaningfully on the second phase of a redress scheme. This phase, promised to survivors following the conclusion of the Stardust Inquests in April 2024, remains unaddressed, causing distress and uncertainty among those affected. The first phase, which awarded €24 million to the families of the 48 deceased, was completed last August. However, survivors, many of whom suffer from deteriorating health, have yet to see progress on their compensation. Jimmy Fitzpatrick, a survivor who suffered severe burns and long-term health issues, expressed frustration, urging the government to fulfill its promises. The Department of Justice maintains that there is no undue delay and that proposals are being advanced. The Stardust fire, Ireland’s deadliest blaze, continues to cast a long shadow over Dublin, with survivors and families demanding closure and accountability.
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Fusion energy gains global momentum as CFS secures Dh3.17 billion in funding
Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), a Massachusetts-based fusion energy startup, has successfully raised $863 million (Dh3.17 billion) in its Series B2 funding round, marking one of the largest deep tech clean energy investments outside the AI sector. The funding round attracted a diverse array of strategic investors, including tech giants like Google and NVIDIA, as well as major international banks and energy companies from Japan, Korea, Europe, and the UAE. This significant financial boost underscores the growing global interest in energy innovation, particularly at the intersection of AI and clean energy. CFS, a spin-off from MIT, is currently constructing its Sparc facility in Devens, Massachusetts, with supply chain partners from over 30 countries. The project, which is 70% complete, aims to demonstrate net energy gain—producing more power than it consumes—within the next two years. CFS’s approach combines proven Tokamak science with cutting-edge high-field magnets, which are now being mass-produced and installed in the Sparc facility. Fusion energy, which replicates the reaction powering stars, promises a future of abundant, clean, and dispatchable power. It offers energy independence by decoupling power generation from natural resources, making it ideal for urban centers and regions with limited land. CFS Co-Founder and CEO Bob Mumgaard highlighted the relevance of fusion energy to AI, which demands constant, high-volume energy. ‘AI is the fastest-growing energy consumer. Fusion pairs well with its needs—technically and philosophically,’ he said. Mumgaard also praised the UAE for its strategic vision and execution in energy infrastructure, from nuclear power to AI-driven innovation. ‘Energy is prosperity, and prosperity is change. The UAE understands this deeply and is well-positioned to lead the energy transition,’ he noted. With Sparc nearing completion and commercial fusion power on the horizon, CFS is not just chasing scientific milestones—it’s building the future of energy. The next step involves selling electricity from fusion, turning science fiction into reality.