Sandeep Adnani, a Dubai-based author, mental health counsellor, and life coach, has carved a unique niche in the literary world by merging cosmic imagination with profound emotional depth. His works, including the acclaimed Exiled Rogue Trilogy and the heartwarming Strangers in Space, explore themes of purpose, consciousness, and the bonds that define humanity. Adnani’s writing journey began with the Exiled Rogue Trilogy, a six-year project that delves into metaphysical questions and the interconnected fate of beings across multiple realms. The trilogy, praised for its fusion of time travel, cosmic laws, and self-evolution, established Adnani as a distinctive voice in speculative fiction. His latest work, Strangers in Space, marks a shift towards cosy sci-fi, focusing on emotional journeys and intimate character connections. Adnani’s creative process is deeply influenced by his background in counselling, which he says helps him craft authentic, vulnerable characters. Drawing inspiration from travel, family, and authors like Dan Brown and J.K. Rowling, Adnani continues to explore diverse storytelling avenues, promising readers fresh adventures that blend imagination with introspection.
标签： Africa
非洲
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KL Rahul to lead India as Gill ruled out of South Africa ODI series
In a significant development for Indian cricket, KL Rahul has been appointed as the captain for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. This decision comes after newly appointed ODI captain Shubman Gill was ruled out due to an injury sustained during the first Test in Kolkata. Gill’s absence has necessitated a reshuffle in the leadership group, with Rahul stepping into the role for the first time since 2023, when he led India to a 2-1 series victory over South Africa. Additionally, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from an injury picked up during the tour of Australia. The series will kick off in Ranchi on November 30, followed by matches in Raipur on December 3 and Visakhapatnam on December 6. The Indian squad boasts a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant, alongside promising youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma. The team will look to maintain its momentum and secure a series win under Rahul’s leadership.
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Eduscan Institute’s event promotes hope, healing and community empowerment
The Eduscan Institute, a pioneer in holistic education and empowerment for children of determination, hosted a transformative event titled ‘Inner Peace, Outer Health: The Path to Healing’ on November 8 and 9, 2025. Held at the Iranian Club in Dubai and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the event celebrated themes of healing, inclusivity, and resilience, aligning with the UAE’s Year of Community. Distinguished guests included Dr. Ram Singarachari, Dr. Yashaswini Shivashankara, Dr. Trilok Kiribagha Chandrashekara, and Dr. Aisha Al Salami, all prominent figures in the medical field. A standout moment was the ‘Walk of Confidence,’ where students from the Eduscan Institute walked alongside university students from Amity, Symbiosis, and de Montfort Universities, symbolizing unity and inclusion. The emotional highlight was the ‘Walk of Courage,’ featuring 12 cancer survivors in bridal attire, representing new beginnings and triumph over adversity. The event also included a performance titled ‘Healing Through Movement’ by Vishakha Verma and her troupe, showcasing the power of art in recovery. Ms. Ruby Ahluwalia, founder of Sanjeevani… Life Beyond Cancer, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the importance of community support. Dr. Alka Kalra, founder of the Eduscan Institute, remarked, ‘This event is about rediscovering inner strength and embodying the UAE’s spirit of unity and resilience.’
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Chris Wood dominates MENA Golf Tour Q School with wire-to-wire win in Portugal
England’s Chris Wood delivered a masterful performance at the MENA Golf Tour Q School in Portugal, claiming a wire-to-wire victory by a commanding six-shot margin. The former Ryder Cup star, standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, showcased his resilience and skill at the Troia Golf Course, finishing six-under-par over the 54-hole event. His composed final-round score of even-par 72 secured his full status for the 2025–26 MENA Golf Tour season, marking a significant milestone in his comeback journey from injuries and mental challenges. Wood, a three-time DP World Tour winner, set the tone early with an opening 66 and maintained his dominance throughout the tournament. His final round featured key birdies on the first, eighth, and 14th holes, despite bogeys on the second, 12th, and 15th. Reflecting on his performance, Wood emphasized the importance of his mental progress, stating, ‘I’ve had enormous challenges mentally over the last few years, so that is the important thing for me.’ The victory not only highlights his technical prowess but also underscores his determination to rebuild his career through the MENA Golf Tour pathway. A three-way tie for second place at level par included Sebastian Sandin (Sco), Will Marshall (Eng), and Nicolas Calvet (Fr). The top 50 finishers earned Category 3 cards for the upcoming season, while others received Category 9A cards, granting entry into the initial events. The Tour continues with the PGA Aroeira Challenge and the Rolear Algarve Classic, offering players opportunities to compete for $100,000 prize funds and OWGR points.
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G20 summit boycotted by US closes in South Africa
The recent G20 summit in South Africa, a pivotal gathering of the world’s leading economies, culminated in a joint declaration emphasizing ‘multilateral cooperation.’ This declaration, which addressed critical issues such as climate change mitigation and economic inequality, was adopted despite the absence of the United States, which boycotted the event in Johannesburg. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking at the closing ceremony, highlighted that the agreement underscored ‘shared goals’ that transcended national differences. The US decision to abstain was rooted in controversial claims regarding the treatment of South Africa’s white minority, assertions that have been widely discredited. This summit marked the first time the G20 was hosted on African soil, following recent editions in Indonesia, India, and Brazil. The US is slated to host the next summit in 2026, with plans to hold it at President Trump’s golf course in Florida. Notably, the ceremonial handover of the G20 presidency, typically conducted at the summit’s conclusion, was postponed and is expected to occur next week involving junior officials. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva remarked on the resilience of multilateralism, stating it was ‘more alive than ever,’ while German Chancellor Fredriech Merz criticized the US decision to abstain as ‘not a good decision.’ Merz also observed a global realignment and the formation of new alliances. Delegates achieved consensus on fostering ‘just, comprehensive, and lasting peace’ in regions including Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the ‘Occupied Palestinian Territory.’ The inclusion of Sudan in the discussions was particularly significant, as noted by Sudanese commentator Saeed Abdalla, who highlighted the G20’s newfound focus on the Sudan conflict after more than two years of neglect.
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Photos: Dubai Run 2025 turns Sheikh Zayed Road into sea of blue
On Sunday, November 23, 2025, Dubai witnessed an extraordinary transformation as the annual Dubai Run turned Sheikh Zayed Road into a breathtaking sea of blue. Thousands of enthusiastic participants, dressed in blue attire, gathered to take part in this iconic event, which has become a hallmark of Dubai’s fitness and community spirit. The event, organized by the Dubai Sports Council, aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage residents to embrace physical activity. Sheikh Zayed Road, one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, was temporarily closed to traffic, allowing runners to enjoy the scenic route amidst Dubai’s towering skyscrapers. The event featured various categories, including a 5km fun run and a 10km competitive race, catering to participants of all fitness levels. Spectators lined the streets, cheering on the runners and adding to the festive atmosphere. The Dubai Run 2025 not only highlighted the city’s commitment to health and wellness but also showcased its ability to bring people together in a celebration of unity and vitality.
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Fifty children escape after mass school abduction in Nigeria
In a dramatic turn of events, fifty of the 315 children abducted by armed gunmen from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, Nigeria, have managed to escape and reunite with their families. The mass kidnapping, which occurred early Friday morning, has plunged the nation into a state of anguish and prompted a large-scale military-led search and rescue operation for the remaining 265 children and 12 teachers still in captivity. Pope Leo XIV expressed profound sorrow over the incident, urging Nigerian authorities to act swiftly to secure the release of the abductees. The escape of the children, described as a courageous and perilous effort, has brought a glimmer of hope to families and a nation grappling with the escalating crisis of school abductions. The incident has drawn comparisons to the infamous 2014 Chibok kidnapping, where 276 girls were taken by Boko Haram. In response to the escalating security threats, authorities in Niger, Kebbi, Katsina, Yobe, and Kwara states have ordered the closure of schools. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has postponed foreign engagements, including the G20 summit in South Africa, to address the growing security concerns. The kidnapping epidemic, driven by criminal gangs known as bandits, has become a pervasive issue in Nigeria, with ransom demands fueling the cycle of violence. Despite the outlawing of ransom payments, the practice persists, exacerbating the crisis. The recent wave of attacks has also reignited debates about religious persecution, with U.S. figures alleging targeted violence against Christians. However, the Nigerian government has dismissed these claims, emphasizing that terrorist groups target individuals indiscriminately, regardless of faith. Analysts argue that many conflicts in Nigeria are rooted in competition for resources rather than religious differences. As the search for the missing children intensifies, the nation remains on edge, grappling with the broader implications of this tragic event.
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G20 members boost Africa’s energy transition with financial commitment
At the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, global leaders made a significant commitment to bolster Africa’s energy transition. This initiative aims to address the continent’s longstanding energy disparities, where 600 million people lack electricity and a billion rely on harmful cooking methods. The leaders recognized energy security as a cornerstone of sovereignty, stability, and shared prosperity. They praised South Africa’s Voluntary Energy Security Toolkit, which focuses on strengthening infrastructure, modernizing grids, and developing a skilled workforce for the new energy era. The G20 pledged to triple renewable energy capacity and enhance energy efficiency by 2030. They emphasized the need to de-risk and diversify investments in energy transition technologies and infrastructure. The leaders also committed to facilitating low-cost financing for developing countries through concessional finance, blended finance mechanisms, and risk mitigation instruments. South Africa’s Minister of Energy and Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, highlighted the urgency of affordable and accessible energy, noting that Africa requires $90 billion to $120 billion annually in transmission investments. He urged global investors to engage through partnerships rather than aid, emphasizing that the energy transition is a fight for dignity and development.
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UAE economy to see ‘smaller’ impact from global slowdown
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised to experience a ‘smaller’ impact from the global economic slowdown compared to other nations, according to a recent report by the World Bank. The UAE’s relatively limited exposure to major global markets such as the US, the European Union, and China has insulated its economy from the broader downturn affecting the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (Menaap) region. While countries like Tunisia and Morocco, which rely heavily on EU exports, face significant challenges, the UAE’s diversified trade relationships, particularly with Asia (excluding China), have mitigated adverse effects. The World Bank projects the UAE’s economy to grow by 4.8% in 2025, outpacing the 3.5% growth forecast for the GCC region. This growth is driven by robust contributions from financial services, construction, transport, and real estate sectors. In contrast, developing oil exporters like Algeria, Iran, Iraq, and Libya are expected to see a sharp slowdown, with growth forecasts dropping to just 0.5% in 2025. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) aligns with the World Bank’s optimistic outlook, projecting a 5% growth for the UAE in 2026. Despite global uncertainties, the UAE’s economic resilience underscores its strategic diversification and strong non-oil sector performance.
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50 schoolchildren escape captivity in Nigeria, 253 students and 12 teachers still being held
In a glimmer of hope amidst a harrowing ordeal, fifty of the 303 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger state, Nigeria, have managed to escape captivity and reunite with their families. The Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger state and proprietor of the school, confirmed the development on Sunday. The children, aged between 10 and 18, reportedly escaped individually between Friday and Saturday. However, the situation remains dire, as 253 schoolchildren and 12 teachers are still being held by the kidnappers. Yohanna stated that the school authorities were able to verify the escapes after contacting and visiting some of the parents. The abduction occurred on Friday when gunmen stormed the remote Papiri community school, seizing both students and teachers. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and authorities have deployed tactical squads alongside local hunters in a bid to rescue the remaining captives. The whereabouts of the children during their captivity and the circumstances of their escape remain unclear. Nigeria’s military and police have yet to respond to inquiries from the Associated Press regarding the incident.