Dubai Police have arrested a man accused of professional begging despite owning three luxury cars, as part of an intensified Ramadan crackdown targeting illegal fundraising and street solicitation across the emirate. Authorities said the suspect amassed thousands of dirhams by appealing to public sympathy while presenting himself as impoverished and in distress. According to Brigadier Ali Al Shamsi, director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department, the man would position himself in public areas during the day, appearing fatigued and destitute to solicit financial assistance from passersby. Investigators found that once his daily activity concluded, he would abandon the disguise and leave the area in a high-end vehicle. Police said the suspect had refined his approach, crafting detailed narratives of hardship and helplessness that made his appeals appear credible and convincing. Officers discovered large sums of money in his possession at the time of arrest, with amounts estimated in the thousands of dirhams. In a separate case highlighted during the campaign, one individual was found to have collected Dh25,000 yet continued to beg despite the sum being sufficient to support himself or finance travel back to his home country. Officials described such practices as deliberate exploitation of public generosity, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, when charitable giving typically increases. The arrest forms part of the “Combat Begging” campaign launched by Dubai Police to curb street begging and organised begging networks. During the first week of Ramadan alone, 26 beggars of various nationalities were detained as part of coordinated inspection efforts across key locations in the city. Authorities said the anti-begging campaign aims not only to enforce the law but also to protect residents and visitors from fraud and deception. Under UAE Federal Law No. 9 of 2018, begging is punishable by up to three months’ imprisonment and a fine of Dh5,000. Harsher penalties apply to those who organise begging rings or recruit individuals from abroad for the purpose of solicitation, with sentences reaching six months in prison and fines of up to Dh100,000. Police stressed that enforcement measures are designed to deter repeat offenders and dismantle organised operations that seek unlawful financial gain. Ahead of Ramadan, Dubai Police also issued warnings about online scams and donation fraud circulating on websites and social media platforms. The Anti-Cybercrime Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation reported that fraudsters frequently exploit the spirit of compassion associated with Ramadan to solicit money through deceptive digital campaigns. Residents have been urged to verify charitable appeals through official channels and to report suspicious activities. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining public safety and ensuring that charitable contributions reach legitimate causes. They encouraged the public to channel donations through licensed charities and government-approved organisations, emphasizing that vigilance remains essential in preventing both street begging and online scams during the holy month.

Holi 2026, the festival of colors, will be celebrated across the globe on March 3 and 4, but the occurrence of a rare lunar eclipse on March 3 is causing confusion, particularly in India. Traditionally, Holi is celebrated on Phalguna Purnima, the full moon night, which in 2026 falls on March 3. However, the lunar eclipse that occurs on the evening of March 3 triggers the "sutak" period, which is considered inauspicious for performing religious rituals. Holika Dahan, the bonfire lighting cerem

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Glimpses from Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna’s haldi ceremony have recently surfaced online, offering fans a closer look at the intimate and thoughtfully curated pre-wedding celebration. Shared by the couple on Instagram Stories, the images revealed a charming and personal atmosphere, blending traditional elements with intimate touches. The outdoor ceremony took place in a beautifully decorated space that incorporated warm tones, marigold, and floral arrangements, offering a cheerf

A suicide bomber targeted a police checkpost in Pakistan’s Bhakkar district on Tuesday evening, killing four policemen and injuring several others in an attack that has heightened security concerns in the region. The explosion occurred around 7 pm near a bridge connecting Dera Ismail Khan with Punjab, according to local police officials. Initial reports had indicated that two police personnel were killed and four injured, but officials later confirmed that the death toll had risen

The Bombay High Court has reserved its order on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's plea to quash a defamation complaint related to his controversial remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The remarks, which referred to PM Modi as “commander-in-thief” during a public rally in Rajasthan in September 2018, led to a criminal defamation case initiated by BJP member Mahesh Shrishrimal. The complaint, filed in August 2019, claims that Gandhi’s statements were defamatory and sugges

Tensions are rising in Roxbury, New Jersey, after Immigration and Customs Enforcement moved forward with plans to convert a vacant warehouse into an immigration detention center despite strong opposition from residents and local officials. Community members have staged protests in recent weeks and voiced concerns during town council meetings, arguing the proposed facility raises humanitarian, financial and neighborhood safety issues. Many residents say they oppose the ICE detention

San Jose officials say the city’s efforts to regulate immigration enforcement activities remain firmly in place, even as a recent federal court decision temporarily paused a related California law. Local leaders emphasized that the ruling does not weaken San Jose’s existing requirements for law enforcement officers to clearly identify themselves while on duty. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision Thursday that put California’s No Vigilantes Act on hold pending

The highly anticipated wedding celebrations of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda have officially commenced. The couple, who have kept their pre-wedding events intimate and modern, shared exclusive glimpses of the early festivities on social media, revealing a delightful mix of fun, relaxation, and sophistication. Their celebrations kicked off with a lively poolside party, where close friends joined in to set a cheerful tone for the days ahead. The couple also made sure to capture the mo

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are set to begin their highly anticipated wedding celebrations in Udaipur on February 24, 2026. The couple, known for their roles in the South Indian film industry, will host all their pre-wedding ceremonies at the luxurious ITC Mementos Udaipur, a venue famous for its regal charm and stunning views of the lake. The first event of the celebrations will be the intimate mehndi ceremony, scheduled for February 24. Close family members and friends

New Jersey Transit is preparing to restore bus and rail operations Tuesday morning, though officials caution that riders should expect modified service and potential delays. The announcement was made Monday evening by agency President and CEO Kris Kolluri, who outlined the phased return plan for commuters across the state. According to Kolluri, bus services are scheduled to begin running at 4 a.m. Tuesday. However, normal routing may not be fully in place, as some detours and delays could occur depending on overnight road conditions. TransitNJ officials are urging passengers to allow extra travel time during the morning commute and to monitor real-time updates before departing. Rail operations are expected to resume an hour later, beginning at 5 a.m., but the full network restoration depends on ongoing infrastructure work. Amtrak crews are working overnight on critical switch repairs within shared rail corridors. Kolluri noted that if the Amtrak work is not completed on schedule, certain lines may face continued disruptions. Specifically, the Raritan Valley Line and the North Jersey Coast Line could remain suspended, and the Northeast Corridor Line may be unable to make some local stops. Even where trains resume service, riders should anticipate a reduced timetable. Officials confirmed that all rail routes will operate under a modified weekend schedule for the time being. This temporary measure is intended to stabilize operations while crews complete remaining repairs and assess system conditions. Transit authorities emphasized that safety and reliability remain the top priorities as service gradually returns. Commuters across New Jersey are advised to check official travel alerts frequently and plan ahead for possible changes during the first day of resumed operations.

Former United Kingdom ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson was arrested on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to confirmation from London’s Metropolitan Police. The 72-year-old veteran Labour Party figure was detained at a property in Camden and taken to a London police station for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation. Police officials said the arrest followed the execution of search warrants at two separate addresses in the Wiltshire and Ca

Ohio lawmakers are advancing a proposal that would allow residents to claim state income tax deductions for qualifying church donations, arguing the move would bring Ohio policy in line with federal tax law while strengthening faith-based services across local communities. House Bill 444, also known as the Tithing Protection Act, was introduced last fall by Republican Rep. Josh Williams of Sylvania Township and Democratic Rep. Dontavius Jarrells of Columbus. The measure received its first he

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho” and long regarded by authorities as one of the world’s most dangerous drug cartel leaders, has been killed during a Mexican military operation in the western state of Jalisco, officials confirmed Sunday. According to a statement from Mexico’s Defense Ministry, the CJNG chief was shot while troops attempted to capture him and later died while being transported to Mexico City. Cervantes led the Jalisco New Generati

US Secret Service agents fatally shot an armed man who unlawfully entered the restricted perimeter surrounding President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida early Sunday morning, authorities confirmed. The incident prompted a swift response from both the Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, which assisted at the scene. According to officials, the individual, believed to be in his early 20s, approached the north gate of the West Palm Beach property c

WASHINGTON — Detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department are continuing their investigation after an 18-year-old man was fatally shot Tuesday evening in the Navy Yard neighborhood of Southeast Washington, an incident that has prompted an urgent appeal for public assistance. Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 6:45 p.m. in the 900 block of 3rd Street Southeast, an area located near the Eye Street Gallery. Upon arrival, responding officers discovered a young man suffering from a gunshot wound. Authorities said the victim was unconscious and not breathing when police reached the scene. Emergency personnel pronounced him dead shortly afterward. The victim has been identified as Dontay Smith of Southeast D.C. Police have not released further details about the circumstances leading up to the fatal shooting, and investigators have yet to announce any arrests in the case. Homicide detectives were called to process the scene and begin a comprehensive investigation. Officials said detectives are actively collecting physical evidence, canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses, and reviewing any available surveillance footage that may help identify the suspect involved in the shooting. At this stage, police have provided only a limited description of the person they believe is responsible. Investigators are urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area or who may have information about the incident to come forward. Authorities emphasized that community cooperation is critical to solving the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 202-727-9099 or submit anonymous tips by texting 50411. The department noted that tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $25,000 if their information leads to an arrest and conviction in connection with a homicide in the District. According to the police department’s latest crime data, the District has recorded seven homicides so far in 2026. Officials say that figure represents a significant decrease of approximately 71 percent compared with the same period last year. Despite the overall decline, investigators say each case remains a top priority as they work to identify suspects and bring closure to affected families and communities. The investigation into the fatal Navy Yard shooting remains active and ongoing. Police say additional details will be released as new information becomes available.

Oil prices climbed sharply on Wednesday, rising more than 4% as investors reacted to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran following the latest round of nuclear negotiations. Market sentiment shifted after U.S. Vice President JD Vance indicated that Tehran had failed to address key American demands and warned that military options remain under consideration. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude settled up $2.86, or 4.59%, at $65.19 per barrel, while global benchmark B

A 22-year-old Sikh nurse has alleged that he was subjected to a brutal racially motivated assault at a gym in Geelong, near Melbourne, late on February 17, prompting renewed concerns about hate crimes in Australia. The victim, identified as Harmanpreet Singh, said the incident occurred while he was working out at a gym in Corio at around 11 pm, when he was confronted by a group of three men. According to Singh, the men approached him without provocation and began hurling racial slurs before

Gold and silver prices saw a sharp correction on February 17, rattling investors after weeks of strong gains. Gold dropped by Rs 2,561 or 1.65% to Rs 1,52,199, while silver fell by Rs 6,241 or 2.6% to Rs 2,33,650 at the time of writing. The sudden decline comes amid reduced global trading activity and rising volatility in the bullion market. A major reason behind the decline is low participation from key global markets. Chinese markets remain closed from February 15 to February 23 f

At least 14 military personnel, 18 militants and three civilians, including a child, were killed in a series of coordinated attacks in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to military and police officials. The violence, which involved two bomb explosions and a subsequent gunfight near a security checkpoint, also left at least 12 people injured. Security officials said the deadliest incident occurred near a military check post in Bajaur district on Monday when militants rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a wall close to the facility. The powerful blast killed 11 members of the security forces and a young girl who was nearby at the time of the explosion. Authorities described the attack as a deliberate attempt to breach the checkpoint’s defenses. In a statement issued Tuesday, the military’s media wing said troops responded swiftly after the blast. According to the statement, security personnel engaged the attackers who attempted to flee the scene. The military reported that 12 militants were killed during the follow-up operation, crediting what it called a “vigilant and resolute response” by troops on the ground. Officials maintained that the attackers’ plan to overrun the check post was successfully thwarted. In a separate operation in Shangla district, police confirmed that three security personnel and three militants were killed during what was described as a search-and-rescue mission. Authorities said the militants involved in that encounter had been linked to plots targeting Chinese nationals working in the region, highlighting ongoing concerns about the safety of foreign workers in Pakistan’s sensitive border areas. The latest violence comes amid a broader surge in militant activity across Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and adjoining tribal regions. Security analysts note that attacks have increased since the Taliban returned to power in neighboring Afghanistan in 2021. Official data indicates that more than 2,400 people were killed in terror-related incidents during the first three quarters of 2025, reflecting a sharp rise in militant violence compared with previous years. Pakistani authorities have blamed the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for many of the recent attacks. The group, whose fighters largely originate from Pakistan’s tribal belt near the Afghan border, has intensified operations against security forces and government targets. Officials say counterterror operations will continue as security agencies attempt to contain the growing threat. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, and additional security measures have been reinforced across vulnerable districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.