In a remarkable display of skill and determination, South Korean golf star Sei Young Kim clinched a decisive victory at the BMW Ladies Championship on Sunday, ending a five-year title drought. The LPGA Tour veteran, who joined the circuit in 2015, carded a final-round 67 to secure a four-stroke win at Pine Beach Golf Links on the Korean peninsula. Kim’s four-round total of 24-under 264 marked her 13th career title and her first since the Women’s PGA Championship in 2020. The 32-year-old showcased her prowess by dropping only one shot at the par-3 third hole and sinking six birdies throughout the remainder of the round, comfortably outpacing her closest competitor, Japan’s Nasa Hataoka, who finished at 20-under 268. Celine Boutier and Kim A-lim tied for third place at 18-under, while defending champion Hannah Green shared fifth place with Yealimi Noh at 17-under. The tournament also saw impressive performances from Lindy Duncan, Choi Hye-jin, and An Na-rin, who tied for seventh. This victory adds momentum to Kim’s career as the LPGA Tour continues its Asian swing, with upcoming events in Malaysia and Japan.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Afghanistan and Pakistan pledge to respect ceasefire after more than a week of deadly fighting
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire following weeks of escalating violence that resulted in numerous casualties and widespread injuries. The truce, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, took immediate effect on Sunday, aiming to halt hostilities between the two neighboring nations. The agreement was finalized during talks held in Doha, Qatar, a day earlier, with both sides committing to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Taliban government’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, expressed optimism about the outcome, confirming that a bilateral agreement had been signed. Under the terms of the deal, neither country will engage in hostile actions against the other or support groups that carry out attacks. Additionally, both nations pledged to refrain from targeting each other’s security forces, civilians, or critical infrastructure. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized that cross-border terrorism from Afghan territory would cease immediately. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul to discuss the implementation of the agreement and address bilateral claims. Both Mujahid and Asif acknowledged the crucial role played by Qatar and Turkey in facilitating the talks. The ceasefire comes amid heightened tensions, with Pakistan grappling with a surge in militancy since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Afghanistan, meanwhile, has denied allegations of harboring militants responsible for attacks in border areas. The agreement marks a hopeful step toward de-escalation and regional stability.
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Australia bowls first in ODI against India led by new captain Shubman Gill
In a strategic move, Australia won the toss and elected to bowl in the opening One-Day International (ODI) cricket match against India at Perth on Sunday. This marks the beginning of a highly anticipated series between the two cricketing giants. India, under the leadership of their newly appointed ODI captain Shubman Gill, is looking to build momentum ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Gill, who also captains India’s Test team, has taken over the reins from Rohit Sharma, who returns to the squad as a batter alongside Virat Kohli. The duo, who had retired from Test cricket before India’s tour of England, are back in action for the first time since India’s Champions Trophy victory in March. On the Australian side, Mitchell Starc makes a comeback after being rested for recent series, as the hosts gear up for a packed summer schedule. This includes three ODIs and five Twenty20 Internationals against India, followed by the Ashes Test series against England. Mitch Marsh, leading the Australian team, will open the batting with Travis Head on his home pitch. The hosts have also introduced fresh faces to their middle order, including Matt Renshaw, Josh Philippe, Mitch Owen, and Cooper Connolly. India’s eight-game tour of Australia will see them play ODIs in Perth, Adelaide (October 23), and Sydney (October 25), followed by five Twenty20 matches across Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. Both teams are set to showcase their depth and talent as they prepare for future challenges on the global stage.
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Same budget, less gold: How record prices affect Dubai residents this Diwali
As Diwali celebrations commence, Dubai residents are navigating the challenges of soaring gold prices, which have significantly impacted their festive shopping traditions. The Gold Souk in Deira witnessed bustling activity on Dhanteras, a day considered auspicious for purchasing gold and silver. Despite the high prices, long queues formed outside jewelry stores as residents sought to uphold their annual ritual of buying gold during the festival of lights. However, this year, many found themselves purchasing lighter pieces or opting for designs that incorporate other metals or stones to stay within their budgets. Gold prices recently crossed Dh500 per gram, a record high that has forced shoppers to rethink their purchases. Priya Nair, a resident of Al Qusais, shared her experience of buying a small bangle for her daughter, noting that the weight of the gold she could afford was significantly less than in previous years. Similarly, Shalini Kumar from Mankhool emphasized the importance of balancing investment and aesthetics, choosing designs that offer both value and visual appeal. For many families, buying gold during Diwali is not just a tradition but also a form of investment. Jewelry stores have adapted to these changing trends by showcasing lightweight and budget-friendly designs. Priya Jayesh Gupta, a businesswoman from JLT, revealed that she had reduced the number of gold gifts this year due to the price surge. Despite the financial constraints, the cultural significance of buying gold during Diwali remains strong, with many residents viewing it as a way to usher in prosperity and good fortune for the new year.
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India: Record gold prices shift Dhanteras demand toward coins over jewellery
The Dhanteras festival in India, a key event marking the start of Diwali and traditionally one of the busiest days for gold purchases, witnessed a significant shift in consumer behavior this year. Soaring gold prices led buyers to favor coins and bars over jewellery, despite the cultural significance of gold ornaments during the festival. Industry officials reported that while overall gold sales volume dropped by 10–15% compared to last year, the total value surged due to record-high prices. Rajesh Rokde, chairman of the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council, noted that jewellery demand plummeted by nearly 30%, while coins and bars saw brisk sales. The price of gold in India reached an unprecedented 132,294 rupees per 10 grams, a 60% increase from last year’s Dhanteras. This spike has been attributed to global market trends and investor optimism about the precious metal’s continued rally. To sustain consumer interest, the industry is offering substantial discounts on jewellery making charges, particularly during the festive and wedding seasons. Meanwhile, silver also gained traction, with strong demand for coins, bars, and jewellery driven by its impressive price performance. Dealers anticipate that silver could outperform gold in the near future. The surge in precious metal prices has also boosted investments in gold and silver exchange-traded funds, reflecting a broader trend of investors seeking higher returns. With jewellery stores extending their hours to accommodate late-night shoppers, industry leaders expect the buying momentum to persist beyond Dhanteras.
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Low-code, no-code platforms power Middle East’s digital leap
As the Middle East accelerates its digital transformation, low-code and no-code platforms are emerging as critical tools for modernization. At GITEX 2025, Nintex showcased its platforms as a vital enabler for governments and enterprises across the region. These platforms allow organizations—from federal agencies to banks and telecoms—to develop internal workflows and customer-facing applications in hours rather than months. This rapid development capability is particularly valuable in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where digital transformation is a cornerstone of national strategy. Initiatives such as ‘zero tax, zero bureaucracy’ and AI-first citizen services demand agile, scalable solutions, which low-code platforms effectively provide. One of the significant challenges in deploying AI is fragmented data. Nintex addresses this by automating processes that unify information across systems, creating a robust foundation for AI-driven insights. Samir Akel, VP of Nintex, emphasized the importance of operational readiness, urging businesses to transition from manual to measurable workflows. ‘Leaders across the region want measurable AI results this quarter,’ Akel stated. ‘If your processes are broken, your AI will be too.’ Akel highlighted the Middle East’s potential for rapid AI growth, with IDC forecasting AI spending in the META region to reach $7.2 billion by 2026. However, he cautioned that without mature processes and clean data, AI efforts may fall short. Nintex is also addressing concerns around data sovereignty. While global trends once favored cloud-first strategies, the company notes a resurgence in on-premise deployments, particularly in the Middle East, where security and control are paramount. Nintex’s platform supports both cloud and on-premise models, offering flexibility based on regulatory and operational needs. Looking ahead, Nintex is advancing into ‘agentic business orchestration,’ where AI not only supports workflows but also generates them. This vision includes AI engines that can suggest e-forms, recommend process flows, and integrate seamlessly across government authorities to deliver unified citizen services. With over two decades of partnerships in the region, including collaborations with the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority and Khalifa University, Nintex is positioning itself as a key player in the Middle East’s digital future, bridging legacy infrastructure with next-generation automation and AI.
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Crescent commits Dh250m to scale CE-Creates, building home-grown ventures with global potential
Crescent Enterprises has unveiled a Dh250 million investment initiative to expand CE-Creates, its venture-building platform dedicated to nurturing high-growth, impact-driven startups with global potential. This strategic move, coupled with new leadership, underscores CE-Creates’ mission to transform early-stage concepts into internationally competitive businesses, leveraging patient capital, operational expertise, and ecosystem access. The platform operates as a sector-agnostic venture studio, guiding ventures from idea validation to market entry and scaling, with a focus on the MENA region and beyond. Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises, emphasized the UAE’s role as a launchpad for global entrepreneurs, stating, ‘Our vision is for the UAE to be recognized as the start-up capital of the world.’ CE-Creates has already supported ventures like Kava & Chai, ION, and BreakBread, showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation. Tushar Singhvi, Deputy CEO and Head of Investments, highlighted the unique blend of capital deployment and operational support that sets CE-Creates apart from traditional venture funding models. Rakhil Fernando, the newly appointed Head of CE-Creates, brings extensive entrepreneurial experience to the role, having previously led ventures like Yabi, Koko, and Daraz. This investment marks a significant milestone in empowering regional founders to compete on the global stage.
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Gaza civil defence says 9 killed Friday when Israeli forces fired at bus
In a tragic incident on Friday, Israeli forces reportedly killed nine members of a Palestinian family after shelling a bus in the Zeitun neighbourhood of Gaza. According to Mahmud Bassal, a spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defence agency operating under Hamas authority, the attack involved two tank shells fired directly at the vehicle. The victims included four children and two women, all from the Shabaan family, who were reportedly attempting to check on their home. Umm Mohammed Shaaban, a family member, expressed her grief, questioning the justification for the attack and stating that the children killed were between two and 12 years old. The Israeli military confirmed that the vehicle had crossed the ‘yellow line,’ a boundary established under the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, and claimed that warning shots were fired before the vehicle was targeted. The military stated that the vehicle posed an ‘imminent threat’ to troops, necessitating the use of force. Despite the ceasefire, which is now in its second week, several incidents of violence have been reported, with Israeli forces firing at individuals who approached or crossed the yellow line. The ongoing conflict has left northern Gaza in ruins, with many Palestinians struggling to locate their homes amidst the devastation. The incident has further strained tensions in the region, raising concerns about the sustainability of the ceasefire.
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Why I fell in love with a book called I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki
For South Koreans, tteokbokki is more than just a snack; it’s a symbol of comfort and resilience. This beloved dish, made with chewy rice cakes and a sweet-spicy sauce, is a staple of Korea’s street food culture, cherished by people of all ages. It’s the go-to meal after a long day, offering solace and warmth. In 2018, a book titled *I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki* captured the hearts of many with its honest and relatable exploration of mental health. Its author, Baek Se-hee, passed away at the age of 35, leaving behind a legacy of courage and compassion. Her death has sparked an outpouring of grief and gratitude from readers worldwide who found solace in her words. The book, a record of Baek’s conversations with her psychiatrist, delves into her struggles with dysthymia and anxiety. It resonates deeply with those navigating similar challenges, offering a message of self-acceptance and hope. Baek’s candid storytelling has not only destigmatized mental health issues in South Korea but also inspired a global conversation. Her memoir has sold over a million copies worldwide, translated into 25 languages, and continues to touch lives. Baek’s life and work remind us that even in moments of despair, small joys like tteokbokki can be a source of strength. Her legacy lives on, encouraging readers to embrace their imperfections and find comfort in the simple pleasures of life.
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ICC rejects Israel’s appeal to cancel Netanyahu’s arrest warrant
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has firmly rejected Israel’s appeal to revoke arrest warrants issued for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The warrants, issued in November 2024, accuse the Israeli leaders of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Gaza since October 2023. This marks the first time in the ICC’s 22-year history that arrest warrants have been issued against senior officials from a Western-allied nation. Israel, which is not a member of the ICC, had sought to cancel the warrants in May while a separate challenge over the court’s jurisdiction was still under review. However, the ICC dismissed the request on July 16, stating there was ‘no legal basis’ to withdraw the warrants while the jurisdiction issue remained unresolved. Israel attempted to appeal this decision a week later, but on Friday, ICC judges ruled that ‘the issue, as framed by Israel, is not subject to appeal.’ The court’s jurisdiction stems from Palestine’s 2015 membership in the ICC, allowing it to investigate crimes committed in occupied territories, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. The warrants have sparked intense reactions globally. Palestinians hailed the decision as ‘historic,’ while Israeli officials condemned it as ‘antisemitic.’ The ICC has also faced criticism, threats, and punitive measures from Israel’s ally, the United States, which sanctioned several ICC judges and prosecutors, labeling the court ‘a national security threat.’ The ICC responded by calling the sanctions an attack on ‘the rules-based international order and, above all, millions of innocent victims across the world.’ Despite the warrants, the ICC lacks enforcement powers, and trials cannot proceed in absentia. The conflict in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack that killed approximately 1,180 Israelis, has resulted in over 68,000 Palestinian deaths, with 80% believed to be civilians. The war has also caused widespread famine and destroyed or damaged more than 83% of Gaza’s structures. Numerous international bodies and UN experts have classified Israel’s actions as acts of genocide. Recently, a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal brokered in Egypt led U.S. President Donald Trump to declare the war over.