The Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has claimed a significant victory in the nation’s ongoing civil war by capturing the army headquarters in the besieged city of el-Fasher. This marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, as el-Fasher was the last major stronghold of government forces in the Darfur region. The RSF announced on social media that it had destroyed large military vehicles and seized equipment at the 6th Division Headquarters, a claim corroborated by BBC Verify through verified videos showing RSF fighters inside the base. The loss of this strategic location deals a severe blow to the Sudanese army, which has yet to issue a formal response. The RSF has surrounded el-Fasher for 18 months, subjecting the city to relentless bombardment and trapping an estimated 300,000 civilians. Satellite imagery from August revealed extensive earthen walls constructed around the city, effectively trapping residents. Hunger and disease have spread rapidly due to dwindling food and medical supplies. The RSF has been accused by UN investigators of committing crimes against humanity, with the US alleging genocide against Darfur’s non-Arab population. Since the conflict began in 2023, over 150,000 people have died, and 12 million have been displaced, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The RSF now controls nearly all of Darfur and much of the Kordofan region, with plans to establish a rival government in el-Fasher. The Sudanese army retains control over northern and eastern regions, but its grip on Darfur has effectively ended. The situation in el-Fasher remains dire, with civilians enduring unimaginable suffering as the conflict escalates.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Dubai traffic alert: 30-minute delay after accident on E311
A significant traffic delay has been reported on Dubai’s E311 highway following an accident late Saturday evening. The incident occurred on the road heading towards Sharjah, near Global Village, causing a 30-minute delay for commuters. Dubai Police issued an advisory at 10:02 PM, urging motorists to exercise caution while driving in the affected area. According to Google Maps, a 5.7-kilometer stretch that typically takes 5 minutes to traverse now requires 35 minutes due to the congestion. Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the cause of the accident or any injuries sustained. Residents and travelers are advised to seek alternative routes or allow extra time for their journeys until the situation is resolved.
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UAE: Flying for Umrah? Return ticket a must during check-in, say travel agents
Travel operators in the UAE have reported that airlines and Saudi authorities have implemented stricter regulations for Umrah pilgrims, making a confirmed return ticket mandatory during check-in. This new rule aims to ensure clarity on each pilgrim’s travel dates and prevent overstays in Saudi Arabia. The regulation applies to all travelers, regardless of their visa type or nationality.
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Sudan’s fertile region where food is rotting amid famine and war
In the midst of Sudan’s devastating civil war, the Jebel Marra mountains stand as a rare sanctuary where life continues almost undisturbed. Women clad in vibrant attire, accompanied by children, traverse the lush fields daily, cultivating crops like peanuts, oranges, apples, and strawberries. This Mediterranean-like climate and fertile soil have long made Jebel Marra a hub for organic produce, particularly its prized oranges. However, the ongoing conflict has severely disrupted the region’s ability to transport these goods to national markets, leaving farmers and vendors in dire straits.
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Pakistan International Airlines resumes UK flights after five-year ban
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed its direct flights to the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone after a five-year ban imposed due to aviation safety concerns. The suspension, initiated in June 2020, followed a tragic incident involving an Airbus A320 crash in Karachi that claimed nearly 100 lives. The disaster was attributed to human error, prompting UK authorities to halt PIA’s operations alongside bans from the European Union and the United States. After rigorous reforms in pilot training, licensing, and safety protocols, the UK lifted its restrictions in July 2025, deeming Pakistan’s aviation standards compliant with international norms. The resumption ceremony, held at Islamabad International Airport, was attended by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who hailed the achievement as a testament to the airline’s perseverance and commitment to safety. PIA now operates a twice-weekly route between Islamabad and Manchester, with plans to expand services to London and Birmingham. This development follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s decision in November 2024 to lift its ban, allowing PIA to resume flights to Paris earlier this year. Despite its historical significance as a national symbol since its founding in 1955, PIA has faced decades of financial struggles, mismanagement, and safety issues. The government’s ongoing efforts to privatize the airline have yet to yield success, with a recent deal collapsing due to a low offer. The resumption of UK flights represents a crucial step in restoring PIA’s credibility and operational stability.
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India crush Australia in 3rd ODI; Rohit and Kohli turn back clock
In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, India delivered a crushing nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third One-Day International (ODI) at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. The match, which could mark the final Australian appearance for Indian legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, saw the duo turn back the clock with a masterful 168-run partnership. Chasing a modest target of 237, India comfortably reached the total with 69 balls to spare. Rohit Sharma top-scored with an unbeaten 121, showcasing his class with 13 fours and three sixes. Virat Kohli, who had struggled in the first two matches, returned to form with a fluent 74 not out, earning the loudest cheers from the packed stadium. The victory was a fitting farewell to Australian soil for the two stalwarts, who have retired from Test and T20 cricket and are unlikely to return before the 2027 World Cup. Earlier, Australia’s innings faltered after a promising start, collapsing from 183-3 to 236 all out. Harshit Rana was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming 4-39, while Matt Renshaw top-scored for Australia with 56. The match not only highlighted India’s dominance but also celebrated the enduring brilliance of Rohit and Kohli, who have left an indelible mark on Australian cricket.
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Dubai teen’s body repatriated to Kerala after police confirms cardiac arrest
The sudden death of 18-year-old Vaishnav Krishnakumar, a student at Middlesex University in Dubai, has left his family and community in shock. Vaishnav, who had no known underlying health conditions, tragically passed away during Diwali celebrations on Tuesday. Dubai Police confirmed that the cause of death was cardiac arrest. His body was repatriated to Kerala on Friday night, accompanied by his grieving family, who completed the final rites.
Vaishnav’s uncle, Nitish, recounted the heartbreaking incident, stating that the young man had been dancing for nearly an hour before feeling tired and collapsing. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The family received official documentation from Dubai Police confirming the cause of death as cardiac arrest.
Described as a ‘gem of a person’ by family and friends, Vaishnav was known for his humility, compassion, and academic excellence. He had been awarded the Golden Visa for his outstanding achievements and served as the Head of the School Council at GEMS Our Own Indian School. His alma mater expressed profound grief, with Principal Lalitha Suresh stating, ‘We have lost not only a wonderful student but a remarkable human being.’
Vaishnav’s mother, Vidhu Krishnakumar, is a teacher at the same school, adding to the personal loss felt by the institution. Tributes poured in from peers and educators, highlighting his positive impact on those around him. A teacher shared on social media, ‘Your departure is a loss beyond measure.’
The unexpected loss of such a promising young individual has left a void in the hearts of many, as the community mourns the passing of a beloved son, friend, and student.
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Amitabh, Abhishek Bachchan attend last rites of ad legend Piyush Pandey
The Indian entertainment and advertising worlds mourned the loss of Piyush Pandey, a legendary figure in advertising, who passed away on Friday due to complications from pneumonia. His funeral, held at the Shivaji Park Crematorium in Mumbai on Saturday, was attended by Bollywood icons Amitabh Bachchan and his son, Abhishek Bachchan. Pandey, 70, was celebrated for his transformative impact on Indian advertising, crafting unforgettable campaigns for brands like Asian Paints, Cadbury, and Fevicol. His career began in 1982 at Ogilvy & Mather India, where he rose from a trainee account executive to a creative powerhouse. Pandey’s groundbreaking work earned him global recognition, including being the first Asian to serve as jury president at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2004. He was also honored with the CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and the Padma Shri, becoming the first advertising professional to receive the national accolade. Tributes poured in from industry peers, with Shah Rukh Khan recalling Pandey’s effortless genius and Anand Mahindra remembering his infectious laughter and zest for life. Pandey’s legacy as a pioneer who infused joy and humanity into advertising will continue to inspire generations.
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Abu Dhabi: Jane Birkin’s million-dirham Hermès on auction; UAE all set for bidding war
Abu Dhabi is poised to host a high-profile auction of a rare Hermès handbag once owned by the late British-French icon Jane Birkin. The ‘Birkin Voyageur’, a black leather bag gifted to Birkin by Hermès in 2003, will be displayed in the UAE capital from December 2 to December 5, with the auction set for December 5. Estimated to fetch between Dh844,100 ($230,000) and Dh1.58 million ($430,000), the bag is expected to ignite a fierce bidding war, potentially surpassing Dh2 million. This auction follows the record-breaking sale of the first-ever Birkin bag in Paris earlier this year, which sold for Dh36.7 million ($10 million).
The ‘Birkin Voyageur’ is not just a luxury item but a piece of history, bearing a personal inscription by Birkin herself: “Mon Birkin bag qui m’a accompagné dans le monde entier” (My Birkin bag, my globetrotting companion). This phrase, written in 2007, reflects the bag’s significance as a cherished companion during her travels. Birkin was known for auctioning her Hermès bags to support charitable causes, including the International Federation for Human Rights and a leading French AIDS charity. This tradition has elevated Birkin bags to symbols of both heritage and philanthropy.
The UAE has a storied history of high-stakes auctions, particularly for charitable causes. In March 2025, a charity auction of special number plates and mobile numbers raised Dh83.67 million ($22.8 million) for the Fathers’ Endowment campaign, a UAE initiative to support healthcare for the underprivileged. The event saw record-breaking bids, including Dh35 million for the DD5 number plate. Similarly, the world’s most expensive vehicle plate, P7, was sold for Dh55 million in April 2023.
For collectors, owning a Birkin bag is a personal milestone. Shinsuke Sakimoto, CEO of Valuence Holdings Inc, who purchased the original Birkin for $10 million, described it as a defining moment for his company and a tribute to the bag’s legacy. As the December auction approaches, anticipation builds for another historic moment in the world of luxury collectibles.
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‘Disciplinary’ actions in school: How UAE teachers help, instead of punish, students
In a transformative shift, schools across the UAE are redefining discipline, moving away from punitive measures to focus on empathy, self-reflection, and emotional intelligence. This approach comes as the Ministry of Education (MoE) introduces a comprehensive Student Behaviour Code for the academic year, outlining 46 types of violations and corresponding interventions. The framework categorizes misconduct into four levels of severity, emphasizing the creation of a values-based learning environment that prioritizes safety and respect. This change gains urgency following the tragic suicide of a 14-year-old UAE expat’s son in Kerala, India, allegedly due to school-related humiliation, which sparked widespread protests and the suspension of two teachers. UAE educators are now leveraging writing and counseling to help students process their emotions. Arogya Reddy, Principal of Ambassador School Sharjah, highlights how disruptive students are encouraged to express their feelings through writing, often leading to emotional release and calmness. The school’s approach involves counselors who guide students in self-awareness and reflection, with no pressure to share their writings publicly. The MoE’s Code of Conduct also addresses online misconduct, involving parents and formal warnings. Pramod Mahajan, Principal of Sharjah Indian School, explains the tiered corrective measures, starting with verbal warnings and escalating to parental involvement if necessary. Schools also monitor social media activity to prevent inappropriate behavior. Veena Nair of Delhi Private School Sharjah emphasizes fostering self-discipline through mutual respect and responsibility, with student-led initiatives like the Praefectorial Board playing a key role in maintaining a respectful and supportive environment. This holistic approach aims to create a safe space where students feel empowered to learn from their experiences.