Nicolas Sarkozy, the former President of France, has made history by becoming the first ex-leader of the country to serve a prison sentence. Sarkozy, who held office from 2007 to 2012, began his five-year term at La Santé prison in Paris on October 21, 2025, following his conviction for conspiring to fund his 2007 election campaign with money from the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. This marks the first time since World War II that a former French leader has been incarcerated, the last being Philippe Pétain, who was jailed for treason in 1945. Sarkozy, now 70, arrived at the prison under heavy security, maintaining his innocence and vowing that ‘truth will prevail.’ He was placed in an isolation wing for his safety, sharing a 9 sq m (95 sq ft) cell equipped with basic amenities, including a toilet, shower, desk, and small TV. He is allowed one hour of daily exercise. Outside his Paris villa, over 100 supporters gathered to show solidarity, responding to a call from his son Louis. Another son, Pierre, urged for messages of love and support. Sarkozy’s wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, was seen embracing him outside their home as supporters cheered. Despite his imprisonment, Sarkozy has received official support from French President Emmanuel Macron and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, who plans to visit him in prison. Sarkozy continues to appeal his conviction, arguing that he is innocent and a victim of political revenge. The case has sparked widespread debate in France, with Sarkozy’s supporters viewing it as a miscarriage of justice, while critics see it as a necessary step in holding leaders accountable. Sarkozy’s imprisonment has also drawn attention to the broader issue of political corruption and the influence of foreign money in elections. As he begins his sentence, Sarkozy has chosen to take two books with him: a biography of Jesus and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo,’ a story of wrongful imprisonment and ultimate vindication.
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Momentum builds ahead of ‘Players Auction’ for Ultimate Golf Challenge Season 3
The Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) is gearing up for its highly anticipated Season 3, with momentum building ahead of the ‘Players Auction’ scheduled for December 5, 2025. This unique amateur golf tournament, branded as a first-of-its-kind concept in the UAE, continues to captivate the region’s golfing community with its blend of sport and sophistication. Season 3 promises to be bigger and better, featuring 160 players—up from 140 in the previous season—who will form 10 teams of 16 players each. The tournament will unfold across four iconic UAE golf courses, including Saadiyat Island Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates – Earth Course, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, and Emirates Golf Club – Faldo Course. UGC Commissioner Kunal Seth expressed excitement about the growing interest, noting the perfect mix of returning players and fresh talent. The Players Auction will see team principals and mentors bidding to secure players for their squads, with eight players acquired via auction and eight retained from last season. Registration closes on December 1, 2025, with an entry fee of AED 450. Eligibility criteria include a valid EGF handicap, UAE residency for at least six months, and availability for at least one tournament day. The tournament will celebrate top teams, outstanding individuals, daily brilliance awards, and the best lady golfer, reaffirming its status as one of the UAE’s most prestigious amateur golf events.
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Madagascar president names civilian PM after takeover
Madagascar’s newly inaugurated president, Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has appointed Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the country’s civilian prime minister, signaling a shift toward a civilian-led government following a military takeover last week. The move comes after weeks of escalating protests against former President Andry Rajoelina, who was impeached for desertion of duty and subsequently fled the country. Randrianirina, who assumed office on Friday, emphasized his commitment to constitutional adherence and collaboration with all sectors of the nation. Rajaonarivelo, a prominent figure in the private sector and former chairman of the Malagasy bank BNI, was chosen for his expertise and international connections, which are expected to bolster Madagascar’s global partnerships. Randrianirina also pledged sweeping reforms and new elections in the poverty-stricken nation, where chronic power outages had fueled public discontent. The military’s intervention, led by Randrianirina’s CAPSAT unit, marked a turning point in the uprising, as it condemned the violence against protesters by Rajoelina’s security forces. Rajoelina’s supporters have criticized the transition, despite its endorsement by the constitutional court. Reports indicate that the ousted leader was evacuated to Dubai via a French military plane.
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Atletico aim to convince Alvarez they belong among elite
Atletico Madrid, under the guidance of Diego Simeone, are on a mission to demonstrate their elite credentials to Julian Alvarez, their star striker and key player. Since a last-minute defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in September, Atletico have remained unbeaten in six consecutive matches across all competitions. This resurgence comes after a challenging start to the season, compounded by a trophyless 2024/25 campaign and a controversial Champions League exit to Real Madrid last season. Alvarez, who joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 for €85 million, has been instrumental in their recent success, scoring 29 goals in his debut season and elevating his game further this term. His hat-trick against Rayo Vallecano and a brace in a 5-2 rout of Real Madrid highlight his growing influence. Despite early frustrations with Simeone’s substitutions, Alvarez has reaffirmed his commitment to the club. Simeone has emphasized the importance of keeping Alvarez content, praising his extraordinary talent and dedication. The upcoming Champions League clash against Arsenal presents a crucial test for Atletico to prove they can compete with Europe’s best and fulfill Alvarez’s ambitions. Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also lauded Alvarez’s performances, expressing admiration for his development. With playmaker Alex Baena’s return from injury, Atletico’s attack looks poised for further success. However, retaining Alvarez’s loyalty will ultimately depend on the club’s ability to secure silverware and triumph over elite opponents like Arsenal.
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Dubai Basketball continue dream run with hard-fought win
Dubai Basketball has continued their remarkable start to the season, securing a hard-fought 81:77 victory against Romanian newcomers U-BT Cluj-Napoca in the ABA League. This win extends their unbeaten run across competitions, further solidifying their status as a formidable force in European basketball. The match, held on October 20, 2025, showcased Dubai’s resilience and depth, particularly in the face of a late-game surge from their opponents. Despite Cluj-Napoca’s spirited comeback attempt led by Dušan Miletić, Dubai maintained their composure in the final minutes to clinch the win. Head Coach Jurica Golemac emphasized the team’s defensive prowess and the crucial role of the home crowd in energizing the players. Mfiondu Kabengele delivered a standout performance with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds, while McKinley Wright and debutant Sertaç Şanlı contributed significantly to the team’s balanced offense. Şanlı, in particular, played a pivotal role in turning the tide during the final quarter. Looking ahead, Dubai Basketball will face LDLC ASVEL in Lyon before returning to their home court at Coca-Cola Arena on November 3 to take on reigning ABA League champions Partizan. Fans can expect an electrifying display of basketball as the team continues their quest for dominance in the league.
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Diljit Dosanjh, Sanya Malhotra light up screen in new song ‘Charmer’
Bollywood enthusiasts have been treated to a festive delight with the release of the new music video ‘Charmer,’ featuring the dynamic duo Diljit Dosanjh and Sanya Malhotra. Released just ahead of Diwali, the video has already captivated audiences with its vibrant visuals and infectious energy. The song, which marks a collaboration between the two stars, has been hailed as a perfect Diwali gift by fans. Diljit took to Instagram to announce the release, captioning his post, ‘CHARMER OFFICIAL VIDEO OUT NOW ON YOUTUBE — HAPPY DIWALI FOLKS / AURA — The Sexiest Album of the Year.’ The video, available on YouTube, showcases the pair’s undeniable chemistry, with Sanya’s impressive dance moves and Diljit’s charismatic presence stealing the show. Fans have flooded social media with praise, dubbing the song ‘Asli Diwali tofa’ (the real Diwali gift) and applauding the duo for elevating the festive spirit. On the professional front, Diljit is gearing up for his role in the highly anticipated ‘Border 2,’ alongside Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan. Meanwhile, Sanya, fresh off her performance in ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari,’ is set to star in Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Bandar,’ a film inspired by true events that premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. With their latest collaboration, Diljit and Sanya have undoubtedly set the stage for a memorable festive season.
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Dubai Police rescue driver after cruise control failure on Emirates Road
In a dramatic incident on Emirates Road, Dubai Police successfully rescued a driver whose car’s cruise control system malfunctioned, leaving her unable to control the vehicle’s speed. The incident occurred while the driver was en route to Abu Dhabi, prompting an immediate response from traffic patrols within minutes of receiving the distress call. The swift action prevented a potential accident, showcasing the efficiency of Dubai’s emergency services. Brigadier Jumaa Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic, explained that the cruise control system had become unresponsive, rendering both the accelerator and brakes ineffective. Patrol officers guided the driver over the phone while escorting her vehicle, creating a safety corridor to clear traffic and ensure a safe stop. The driver was eventually able to pull over without injury. Brigadier Bin Suwaidan emphasized the importance of remaining calm in such situations, advising motorists to fasten seatbelts, activate hazard lights, and contact emergency services. He also recommended shifting to neutral gear, restarting the engine, or applying steady brake pressure to regain control. Additionally, he urged regular vehicle maintenance, particularly for braking and cruise control systems, highlighting the critical role of awareness and composure in preventing accidents. This incident underscores the vital role of Dubai Police in ensuring road safety and their ability to handle emergencies with precision and professionalism.
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9 gang members face trial in UAE for kidnapping, filming victim naked to extort money
In a shocking case that has gripped the United Arab Emirates, nine Arab nationals are set to face trial for their involvement in a series of heinous crimes, including kidnapping, indecent assault, and extortion. The defendants, accused of forming an organized criminal gang, allegedly abducted a man over a financial dispute, subjected him to severe abuse, and filmed him naked to blackmail his family. The victim reported the incident through the Public Prosecution’s digital platform, ‘My Safe Society,’ prompting a swift investigation. Authorities uncovered that the gang lured the victim to a residence, tied his hands, and detained him for a week. They forced him to sign debt instruments and later shared explicit footage on social media to extort money. The Public Prosecution, in collaboration with the Federal Judicial Enforcement Office, gathered evidence and arrested the suspects, seizing tools used in the crimes. The defendants now face charges punishable by death or life imprisonment, as their actions are deemed a threat to state security and public order. UAE Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi emphasized the nation’s zero-tolerance stance on crimes endangering national security and social peace, vowing to uphold the law impartially and ensure justice is served.
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Ryan Guzman recalls how Jennifer Lopez started his Instagram account
Ryan Guzman, known for his role in ‘9-1-1,’ recently reminisced about his experience filming the 2015 thriller ‘The Boy Next Door’ alongside Jennifer Lopez. In a candid revelation, Guzman shared that Lopez played a pivotal role in kickstarting his Instagram presence. According to People, the actor disclosed that his very first Instagram post was orchestrated by Lopez herself. Guzman recounted how, during a press tour for the film, Lopez was astonished to discover he didn’t have an Instagram account. ‘I think I just had a Facebook or something, and she had asked me what’s my Instagram handle or whatnot, and I just kind of had a blank face,’ Guzman recalled. ‘She goes, ‘You know what? No, I’ll set it up for you.’ She did, and my very first post is because of her,’ he added. Guzman expressed his amazement at the fact that Lopez, a global icon, was the one to introduce him to the platform. ‘It’s such a crazy thing to now think about that Jennifer Lopez is the one that started my Instagram,’ he said. The actor also reflected on the 10th anniversary of ‘The Boy Next Door,’ expressing disbelief at how quickly time has passed. ‘I didn’t know it was the 10 … it is 10 years since that movie? Where has time gone?’ he remarked. In the film, Guzman portrayed a 19-year-old with a troubled past who becomes neighbors with Lopez’s character, a mother navigating marital challenges. The project remains a memorable milestone in Guzman’s career, not only for its cinematic impact but also for marking his social media debut.
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Kajol celebrates 30 years of ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’
Bollywood actress Kajol recently commemorated the 30th anniversary of the iconic film ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (DDLJ) with a touching social media tribute. Taking to Instagram, Kajol shared a nostalgic poster of the film, which also stars Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan, and expressed her profound gratitude to fans for their unwavering love and support. She captioned the post, ‘DDLJ completes 30 years today in time, but the way it has spread around the world and through everybody’s hearts and minds simply cannot be counted. Thank u all for loving it in this phenomenal way!’ Adding a humorous twist, Kajol also shared a witty joke about the film, encouraging fans to ‘slide to see how far it really has gone.’ The post garnered an outpouring of emotional responses from fans, with many reminiscing about the film’s enduring impact. One fan commented, ‘Among your films that will never be erased from memory and will always remain alive,’ while another praised, ‘A classic defined, a generation inspired. Three decades of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and still, every scene is perfect. Thank you for the magic, Raj and Simran.’ Kajol’s sister, Tanishaa Mukerji, and renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra also joined in the celebration, reacting to the post with heart emojis. Earlier, the official Instagram handle of Yash Raj Films, the production house behind DDLJ, also paid tribute to the timeless romance, captioning their post, ‘Raj & Simran, forever and always! Celebrating three decades of timeless romance, unforgettable moments, and hearts that still skip a beat at every ‘palat.’ Released in 1995, DDLJ was directed by Aditya Chopra and produced by Yash Chopra. The film, which was shot in India, London, and Switzerland, tells the story of Raj and Simran, two individuals who fall in love during a European trip but must navigate cultural and familial challenges to be together. Its themes of love, tradition, and family values have cemented its status as a Bollywood classic.