Victor Larsson and Alisa Molokanova emerged victorious in the Male and Female Divisions, respectively, at the Tommy Fleetwood International Pathway Series presented by DP World. Held at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah, the 54-hole championship, sanctioned by the AJGA and Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), was a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) qualifier and a ‘Major’ on the EGF Junior Order of Merit for the 2025–26 season. Larsson, representing The Els Club in Dubai, carded rounds of 68, 73, and 70 for a five-under-par total of 211, narrowly defeating Aayan Dadabhoy by one shot. Molokanova, representing the Russian Golf Federation, posted rounds of 72, 72, and a stellar final-day 67, the week’s best score, to finish with a five-under-par total of 211, securing a five-shot victory over Alayna Rafique. This marks Larsson’s second consecutive win in the series, following his triumph at the inaugural event in 2024. The tournament, open to players aged 12 to 18 with an official handicap, attracted 82 participants. The third and final event of the season will take place at Yas Links Abu Dhabi from 10–12 February 2026.
标签： Africa
非洲
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UAE: Gaza journalist, top hostage mediator among guests at Emirates Literature Festival
The 17th edition of the Emirates Literature Festival (ELF), scheduled to take place from January 21 to 27, 2026, has announced its full lineup, promising a diverse and thought-provoking program. The festival, held at the Theater of Digital Art in Madinat Jumeirah, will feature a range of notable figures, including Gaza photojournalist Plestia Aqad and top hostage mediator Scott Walker. Aqad, author of ‘Eyes of Gaza,’ will participate in panel discussions to share her harrowing experiences documenting one of the most extensively covered conflicts in history. Walker, renowned for his expertise in crisis negotiation, will reveal strategies for diffusing high-stakes situations. The festival will also celebrate Emirati culture, with poet Shamma Al Bastaki presenting her debut collection ‘House to House,’ which chronicles Dubai’s transformation from the 1940s to the 1980s. Award-winning author Salha Obaid will mark the English translation of her novel ‘Circle of Spice,’ while children’s author Ebtisam Al-Beiti will enchant young audiences with a puppet show based on her latest book. International literary sensation RF Kuang and Emmy-winning comedian Vir Das will also grace the event, alongside a tribute to Egyptian icon Umm Kulthum. Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, highlighted the festival’s global impact, having inspired over a million children and launched numerous initiatives.
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South Africa eye sweep as India start mammoth chase poorly
South Africa has positioned itself for a potential series sweep after setting India a daunting victory target of 549 in the second Test in Guwahati. The visitors declared their second innings at 260-5, following Tristan Stubbs’ impressive knock of 94, which was cut short by Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling. India, trailing by 522 runs, faced early setbacks in their chase, ending the day at 27-2, with Sai Sudharsan and nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav set to resume on Wednesday. South Africa’s dominant performance was bolstered by their first-innings lead of 288, putting immense pressure on the hosts. Earlier in the day, South Africa’s top order struggled against India’s spinners, with Jadeja claiming four wickets. Despite some resistance from Tony de Zorzi (49) and Wiaan Mulder (35 not out), India’s bowlers found it challenging to contain the visitors. India’s batting woes continued as opener Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for 13, and KL Rahul was dismissed for six by Simon Harmer. With three sessions remaining, India faces an uphill battle to salvage a draw.
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X’s new feature raises questions about the foreign origins of some popular US political accounts
Accounts with names like @TRUMP_ARMY and @MAGANationX, adorned with portraits of former President Donald Trump, voter rallies, and American flags, have long appeared to be fervent supporters of U.S. politics. However, a recent update to the social media platform X has revealed that many of these accounts are not based in the United States but in regions such as South Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. This discovery has raised significant concerns about foreign influence on American political discourse. Elon Musk’s X introduced a new feature on Saturday, allowing users to see the location of an account. This tool, called ‘About This Account,’ displays the country or region where an account is based. While the feature aims to enhance transparency and combat misinformation, it has also sparked controversy. Researchers at NewsGuard, a firm specializing in tracking online misinformation, identified several popular accounts—purportedly run by Americans—that are actually based abroad. These accounts have been disseminating polarizing and misleading claims about U.S. politics, including allegations that Democrats bribed moderators of a 2024 presidential debate. The location feature, while 99.99% accurate according to X’s head of product Nikita Bier, is not foolproof. Accounts can use virtual private networks (VPNs) to mask their true location, and some internet providers automatically use proxies, complicating the accuracy of the data. The revelation has divided users, with some praising the transparency and others questioning its implications for privacy. Critics argue that the feature could be seen as an invasion of privacy, while supporters believe it is a necessary step to safeguard the integrity of online discourse. The controversy underscores the ongoing challenges of combating misinformation and foreign influence in the digital age.
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South Africa sets out stall for tourists from China
South Africa is actively enhancing its tourism strategy to attract more visitors from China, leveraging recent visa reforms to streamline the entry process. Patricia de Lille, the country’s Minister of Tourism, highlighted the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which simplifies visa applications by enabling online submissions, biometric data collection, and approvals within 70 hours. This digital initiative is expected to significantly benefit key markets, including China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. De Lille also noted the positive impact of the recent G20 Summit in Soweto, where local hotels experienced full occupancy, underscoring the sector’s growth potential. The tourism industry, which created 1.6 million jobs in South Africa last year, remains a critical driver of economic development and employment. De Lille emphasized the broader untapped tourism potential across Africa, urging closer collaboration among African nations to promote the continent as a unified destination. She called for accelerated implementation of Agenda 2063’s tourism goals, which aim to position Africa as a global tourism hub driven by integration, prosperity, and peace. To achieve this, she stressed the need for coordinated efforts among tourism and transport ministers to eliminate barriers to intra-African travel.
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Anis Sajan to host sunset yoga session at private residence in Dubai
Dubai’s luxury wellness landscape is about to witness a unique event as Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group and a dedicated yoga enthusiast, gears up to host an exclusive Sunset Yoga session at his private residence in Emirates Hills. Scheduled for November 29 from 5pm onwards, the event aligns with the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), a city-wide initiative encouraging active, mindful, and health-conscious lifestyles. Set against the tranquil backdrop of Emirates Hills, the session welcomes yoga practitioners of all levels, offering a guided flow led by an experienced instructor. Attendees will also gain wellness insights from Sajan himself, coupled with breathtaking sunset views that promise to enhance the overall experience. The event aims to leave participants feeling rejuvenated, grounded, and deeply connected to both nature and themselves. This initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to fostering a culture of wellness and mindfulness among its residents and visitors.
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24 schoolgirls abducted from Kebbi in Nigeria have been rescued, president says
In a significant development, all 24 schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi state, Nigeria, have been successfully rescued, President Bola Tinubu announced on Tuesday. The mass abduction occurred on November 17 in Maga town, where 25 girls were initially taken. One girl managed to escape the same day, while the remaining 24 were freed following a coordinated rescue operation, though specific details of the mission remain undisclosed. President Tinubu expressed relief over the girls’ safe return and emphasized the urgent need to bolster security in vulnerable regions to prevent future kidnappings. The incident is part of a troubling pattern of mass abductions in Nigeria, including a recent raid on Saint Mary’s School in Niger state, where over 300 students and staff were kidnapped. While 50 students escaped over the weekend, the fate of the others remains uncertain. Musa Rabi Magaji, the principal of the Kebbi school, confirmed the girls’ release but noted they are still under official custody, with no immediate updates on their condition. Abdulkarim Abdullahi, whose two daughters were among the abducted, expressed relief and awaited further information on their well-being. Meanwhile, 38 worshippers kidnapped during a deadly church attack in Kwara state were also freed, according to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The recent wave of abductions, attributed to armed bandits, highlights the ongoing security crisis in Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have become a pervasive issue. Analysts note that these gangs often target schools and remote communities, exploiting the lack of government presence. Since the infamous Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction a decade ago, over 1,500 students have been seized, with many released only after ransom payments. The situation underscores the need for comprehensive security reforms to address the root causes of this escalating crisis.
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Trump envoy denies bias as he pushes for Sudan peace plan
Massad Boulos, the senior Africa envoy for former US President Donald Trump, has dismissed allegations that the US-led peace proposal to end Sudan’s civil war is biased. The proposal, backed by the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aims to mediate between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have been locked in a brutal conflict for over two years. On Sunday, Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, criticized the latest ceasefire proposal as ‘the worst ever,’ claiming it favored the RSF and sidelined the army. He also accused the UAE of supporting the RSF, a claim the Gulf state denies. Boulos, speaking at a media briefing in the UAE alongside presidential adviser Anwar Gargash, refuted Burhan’s accusations, stating, ‘He was making reference to something that does not exist, that has never been presented by us.’ The US-led ‘Quad’ proposed a three-month humanitarian truce in September, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a transition to civilian rule. However, the army rejected the plan, citing ‘foreign interference’ and equating the RSF to a ‘racist terrorist militia.’ The RSF announced a unilateral ceasefire on Monday, but the army accused them of attacking Babanusa, their last stronghold in West Kordofan state. Analysts suggest the RSF’s ceasefire declaration is a political maneuver to gain favor with the Quad. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has displaced 12 million people and caused what the UN calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, with recent reports of atrocities in el-Fasher sparking international condemnation.
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Diljit Dosanjh brings the glam to International Emmys 2025, but misses out on Best Actor award
The 53rd International Emmy Awards 2025 witnessed a glamorous presence from Indian actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, who made his debut nomination at the prestigious event. Nominated for his compelling performance in Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Amar Singh Chamkila,’ Diljit graced the red carpet alongside the acclaimed filmmaker and other luminaries. Despite his striking appearance in a shimmery suit jacket, crisp white shirt, black bow, and signature turban, the coveted Best Actor award was claimed by Spanish actor Oriol Pla for ‘Yo, adicto [I, Addict’]. Additionally, ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ fell short in the Best TV Movie/Mini-Series category.
Diljit’s nomination marked a significant milestone for Indian cinema on the global stage, particularly for a film that celebrated the legacy of Punjab’s legendary folk singer Amar Singh Chamkila. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the Netflix-released movie (April 2024) features Parineeti Chopra and is lauded for its live-recorded folk music and emotionally charged narrative. The film recounts the life of Chamkila, often dubbed the ‘Elvis of Punjab,’ whose bold songs and electrifying performances in the 1980s were tragically cut short by his untimely death in 1988.
This year’s Emmys saw Diljit competing against notable actors like David Mitchell (‘Ludwig’) and Diego Vasquez (‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’). While the award eluded him, his presence underscored the growing recognition of Indian talent internationally. Notably, Netflix’s ‘Delhi Crime’ and comedian Vir Das had previously brought home Emmys in 2020 and 2021, respectively, highlighting the platform’s role in showcasing Indian stories globally.
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Scarlett Johansson set to lead next ‘Exorcist’ film, confirms director Mike Flanagan
Hollywood icon Scarlett Johansson is poised to lead the next installment of the legendary ‘Exorcist’ franchise, as confirmed by acclaimed director Mike Flanagan. Known for her versatility in both genre films and blockbuster hits, Johansson’s casting marks a pivotal moment for Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, the studio renowned for its horror productions. This move signals a renewed focus on revitalizing the iconic series, which has captivated audiences for decades. Flanagan expressed his enthusiasm, stating, ‘Scarlett is a brilliant actress whose performances always feel grounded and real. I couldn’t be happier to have her join this project.’ The upcoming film will introduce a fresh narrative within the ‘Exorcist’ universe, distinct from the 2023 release ‘The Exorcist: Believer,’ which underperformed at the box office. The original 1973 film, directed by William Friedkin and based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, remains a cultural landmark, earning 10 Oscar nominations and inspiring multiple sequels. Flanagan, who has long cited ‘The Exorcist’ as a key influence on his filmmaking career, aims to deliver a bold and terrifying new chapter. While plot specifics and additional cast members remain under wraps, anticipation is already building for this ambitious revival.