作者: admin

  • Pakistan’s army has always been influential – now its chief has new powers

    Pakistan’s army has always been influential – now its chief has new powers

    Pakistan’s parliament has passed a controversial constitutional amendment granting Field Marshal Asim Munir, the country’s army chief since November 2022, expanded powers, lifetime immunity from arrest and prosecution, and oversight of the navy and air force. The 27th constitutional amendment, enacted on Thursday, also introduces significant changes to the judiciary, including the creation of a new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) to handle constitutional matters. Critics argue the move consolidates military influence and undermines civilian governance, while supporters claim it brings clarity to the military command structure and addresses court backlogs. The amendment has sparked resignations from Supreme Court justices, who decry the erosion of judicial independence. Analysts warn the changes signal a shift towards authoritarianism, with the military’s role in Pakistan’s politics becoming increasingly dominant.

  • ‘Without exception’: UAE calls for accountability in Sudan atrocities

    ‘Without exception’: UAE calls for accountability in Sudan atrocities

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a strong call for accountability regarding the atrocities committed in Sudan, emphasizing the need for justice without exception. This comes in the wake of harrowing reports from women fleeing Al Fasher, who have recounted incidents of killings, systematic rape, and civilian casualties from drone strikes and street shootings. The UAE’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jamal Al Musharakh, made this appeal during a special session of the UN Human Rights Council on Friday, November 14, 2025. He urged warring parties to cease obstructing humanitarian access and stressed the international community’s role in ensuring accountability for these crimes. The conflict, which erupted in 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has intensified with the fall of Al Fasher to the RSF on October 26, 2025, solidifying their control over the Darfur region. The UN is considering a fact-finding mission to investigate mass killings during the city’s capture. Al Musharakh reiterated the Quad’s recent statement, which calls for an immediate humanitarian truce, a permanent ceasefire, and a transition to a civilian-led government. The Quad, comprising the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, has been instrumental in addressing the crisis. Since the conflict began, the UAE has provided significant support to Sudan, including $3.9 billion in humanitarian aid between 2014 and 2025, 122 cargo planes delivering essential supplies, and the establishment of field hospitals in Chad and South Sudan. The UAE’s efforts have directly assisted over 650,000 people within Sudan and delivered 100,000 food baskets to affected regions.

  • Salman Khan calls Dharmendra a father-figure as veteran actor recovers after hospitalisation

    Salman Khan calls Dharmendra a father-figure as veteran actor recovers after hospitalisation

    Bollywood superstar Salman Khan recently expressed deep admiration for veteran actor Dharmendra, whom he regards as a father-figure, during a press conference in Qatar. The emotional tribute came shortly after Dharmendra’s discharge from a Mumbai hospital following a health scare. Salman, who was among the first to visit Dharmendra during his hospitalization, emphasized their close bond and wished for his swift recovery. Speaking ahead of his Da-Bangg The Tour Reloaded event, Salman was asked about his early fitness inspirations. Without hesitation, he credited Dharmendra as a pivotal influence, stating, ‘He is my father, that’s the end. I love that man, and I just hope that he will come back.’ The audience erupted in cheers, chanting, ‘Long live Dharam ji!’ The two actors have shared a warm relationship for decades, with Dharmendra often affectionately referring to Salman as ‘beta’ (son) and even suggesting him as the ideal choice to portray him in a biopic. Dharmendra, 89, was discharged on Wednesday, with his family requesting privacy as he continues his recovery at home. The legendary actor, last seen in ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,’ is set to appear in Sriram Raghavan’s ‘Ikkis’ this December. Meanwhile, Salman, who recently starred in ‘Sikandar’ and made a cameo in Aryan Khan’s web series ‘The Ba**ds of Bollywood,’ continues to host ‘Bigg Boss 19.’ His upcoming project, ‘Battle of Galwan,’ directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is highly anticipated.

  • Arizona fugitive convicted in US sex crimes case arrested in France after years on the run

    Arizona fugitive convicted in US sex crimes case arrested in France after years on the run

    A 51-year-old Arizona man, Michael Robert Wiseman, who had fled the United States twice while on probation for sex crime convictions, was arrested in France earlier this month on charges of sexually assaulting a child. Authorities revealed that Wiseman was living in Kilstett, northeastern France, when he was apprehended on November 1. Investigations uncovered that he had previously traveled to Vietnam and Poland before settling in France. Scottsdale police Sgt. Dustin Patrick disclosed that Wiseman was captured after attempting to apply for a pilot’s license in Spain using his real name. Patrick noted that Wiseman had adopted two children in Vietnam and obtained a legitimate Polish passport under an alias. His arrest was triggered when a potential employer Googled his name, discovered he was on Scottsdale’s most wanted list, and alerted Spanish authorities. This marks the second time Wiseman has fled the U.S. while facing charges. In 2008, he cut off his ankle monitoring device and left the country, only to be arrested in Spain in 2009 and extradited back to Arizona, where he pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a child and one escape charge. After serving over two years in jail, Wiseman was sentenced in 2012 to lifetime probation and a one-year deferred jail sentence. However, he fled the U.S. again after his 2012 sentencing. Scottsdale police confirmed that Wiseman will be extradited to the United States following the completion of his French case, though no timeline for the extradition has been provided.

  • Israel denies accusations after UN forces say it built walls inside Lebanon

    Israel denies accusations after UN forces say it built walls inside Lebanon

    The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has accused Israel of constructing walls inside Lebanese territory near the UN-demarcated Blue Line, the de facto border between the two nations. UNIFIL stated that the walls, built by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), encroached on Lebanese sovereignty and rendered over 4,000 square meters of land inaccessible to Lebanese citizens. The UN peacekeeping force confirmed the violations through surveys conducted in October and November 2025. Israel, however, denied the allegations, asserting that the wall was part of a broader security plan initiated in 2022 and did not cross the Blue Line. The IDF emphasized that the construction was aimed at reinforcing the northern border following lessons learned from recent conflicts. The dispute arises amidst ongoing tensions between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, despite a truce brokered in November 2024. UNIFIL has urged Israel to respect the Blue Line and withdraw from Lebanese territory, citing violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The resolution also underpinned the 2024 ceasefire, which sought to halt over a year of hostilities. UNIFIL has formally advised the IDF of its findings and requested the removal of the walls.

  • ‘Really want to see Will Smith’: Fans brave rush hour to listen to Hollywood star at SIBF

    ‘Really want to see Will Smith’: Fans brave rush hour to listen to Hollywood star at SIBF

    The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) witnessed an electrifying atmosphere as fans eagerly gathered to catch a glimpse of Hollywood icon Will Smith. The 57-year-old Academy Award-winning actor took the stage as a guest speaker to delve into the transformative power of storytelling. Accompanied by entrepreneur and podcast host Anas Bukhash, Smith engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue that captivated the audience. Despite the rush hour, dedicated fans like Alicia, an Argentinian expat and restaurant owner, drove over an hour from Jumeirah to attend the event. “I’m a huge fan of Will Smith and Anas Bukhash,” she shared. “I rushed here after a meeting just to see him.” Known for his iconic roles in films like ‘Bad Boys,’ ‘Men in Black,’ and ‘Independence Day,’ Smith’s presence added star power to the fair’s final weekend. Organizers ensured a seamless experience with enhanced security, wristband distribution, and designated seating areas for Gold, Silver, Bronze, and VIP attendees. The 44th edition of SIBF, running until November 16, also featured luminaries like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Carlo Rovelli, and Paul Lynch, making it a cultural highlight of the year.

  • Hollywood’s SAG Awards announces it will change its name

    Hollywood’s SAG Awards announces it will change its name

    The Screen Actors Guild Awards, one of the most prestigious ceremonies honoring actors, has unveiled a significant rebranding. Known colloquially as the SAG Awards, the event will now be officially titled ‘The Actor Awards presented by Sag-Aftra.’ This change reflects the labor union’s commitment to celebrating actors and aligns with the global recognition of the event. The announcement was made during a board meeting on Friday, ahead of the 32nd edition of the ceremony, scheduled for March 1, 2026.

    Jon Brockett, the show’s executive producer, emphasized that the new name provides clarity to viewers in over 190 countries. ‘The Actor Awards’ immediately conveys the essence of the event—a celebration of actors by actors. JoBeth Williams, chair of the awards committee, noted that while the union’s name may not be universally recognized, the term ‘Actor Awards’ resonates globally, promising audiences a showcase of their favorite stars.

    The rebranding also highlights the significance of the Actor trophy, which has become a pivotal indicator in the lead-up to the Academy Awards. Much like the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and Golden Globes, the event is now better known by the name of its iconic statuette. This change further solidifies the merger between the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Aftra) in 2012, representing approximately 160,000 members.

    The announcement follows the recent election of Sean Astin, star of ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ as the new leader of Sag-Aftra. Astin succeeds Fran Drescher, who guided the organization through the 2023 Hollywood strikes during her four-year tenure. The rebranding marks a new chapter for the awards show, emphasizing its global appeal and dedication to the craft of acting.

  • What does Adnan Hussain’s departure mean for Your Party and the British left?

    What does Adnan Hussain’s departure mean for Your Party and the British left?

    In a significant blow to the nascent left-wing political movement in the UK, Adnan Hussain, a key figure in the formation of the temporarily named ‘Your Party,’ has announced his departure from the steering group. This decision, revealed on Friday afternoon, underscores his belief that the party lacks the pluralism and inclusivity necessary to accommodate his political vision. Hussain, an independent MP for Blackburn, expressed his concerns about the party’s culture, describing it as ‘toxic, exclusionary, and deeply disheartening.’ His exit comes just weeks before the party’s founding conference, casting doubt on its future and its ability to unite diverse voter bases. Hussain’s departure highlights internal rifts within the party, particularly regarding its ideological breadth and treatment of members. His criticisms extend to the handling of Muslim men within the steering process, which he likened to the very political forces the left opposes. Despite his exit, Hussain remains committed to the Independent Alliance, a parliamentary grouping that includes other independents and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Your Party, which initially garnered significant attention and support, has been plagued by infighting and ideological clashes. The party’s ability to form a strategic alliance with the Green Party and mobilize working-class and Muslim voters now hangs in the balance. With the British left’s momentum seemingly shifting toward the Green Party, Your Party’s future remains uncertain, leaving the broader left-wing coalition in a precarious position.

  • Trump rolls back tariffs on dozens of food products

    Trump rolls back tariffs on dozens of food products

    In a significant policy shift, former US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order exempting a wide range of food products, including coffee, bananas, and beef, from his previously imposed tariffs. This decision arrives as the Trump administration grapples with escalating public and political pressure over rising inflation and the cost of living. The move follows the Republican Party’s underwhelming performance in recent elections, which has seemingly prompted Trump to address economic concerns more directly. The White House released a detailed list of exemptions on Friday, covering products such as avocados, tomatoes, coconuts, and mangoes. According to the administration, these items are essential imports as they cannot be sufficiently produced domestically. This development marks a notable pivot in Trump’s trade policy, which has long been characterized by aggressive tariff measures. The story is still unfolding, and further updates are expected shortly. For real-time updates, readers are encouraged to follow the BBC News App or @BBCBreaking on X.

  • Cardi B welcomes fourth child, her first with boyfriend Stefon Diggs

    Cardi B welcomes fourth child, her first with boyfriend Stefon Diggs

    Grammy-winning rap sensation Cardi B has announced the birth of her fourth child, her first with NFL star Stefon Diggs. The artist, whose real name is Belcalis Almánzar, shared the joyous news on Instagram, expressing her excitement about this new chapter in her life. “I brought new music and a new album to the world! A new baby into my world, and one more reason to be the best version of me,” she wrote. The baby boy’s arrival comes shortly after the release of her highly anticipated sophomore album, *Am I The Drama?*, which she humorously promoted as a means to afford diapers. Cardi B, who shares three children with her estranged husband Offset, filed for divorce in July 2024. While she has not disclosed specific details about the birth, her spokesperson confirmed to *People* magazine that both mother and baby are “healthy and happy.” Diggs, the New England Patriots wide receiver, revealed the baby’s gender during a recent red-carpet event, stating, “It’s a boy. That’s enough for me. I can’t wait to make him do push-ups and sit-ups and run around.” This marks the second child for Diggs, who has a 9-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. Cardi B also hinted at a fresh start in her Instagram post, sharing a clip from her single *Hello* and emphasizing her commitment to self-improvement and providing her children with the “love and life they deserve.” She told her 163 million followers that she is preparing for a tour to support her new album and is focused on delivering the “performance of a lifetime.” Reflecting on her personal growth, she wrote, “I’ve learned, I’ve healed, and I’m loving the woman I’ve become! That’s what this next era means to me, and I’m stepping into it better than ever.”