Egyptians commenced voting on Monday in a pivotal parliamentary election, a process that will span several weeks to determine the composition of the lower house. Polling stations opened at 9:00 am (0700 GMT), initiating the election of 568 out of 596 seats in the House of Representatives. The remaining 28 lawmakers will be directly appointed by President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi. Voting timelines vary across regions, with some areas, including Cairo, not casting ballots until November 24. Egyptians abroad participated in the election on Friday and Saturday. Final results are anticipated by December 25. The election employs a dual system, with half of the seats allocated through closed party lists and the other half via individual candidates. Notably, a quarter of the seats are reserved for women. This parliamentary vote follows the senate elections held two months prior, which saw a low turnout of approximately 17%. The pro-government ‘National List for Egypt’ coalition, which dominated the senate elections, is expected to maintain its stronghold. Leading the coalition are the pro-Sisi Mostaqbal Watan (Nation’s Future) party and the National Front party, headed by former minister Essam Al Gazzar. Gazzar’s newly formed party, backed by business tycoon Ibrahim Al Organi, a close ally of Sisi, unites former government officials. Meanwhile, opposition groups remain fragmented, with some running independently and others aligning with pro-government lists. Analysts highlight the election’s significance, as it is the last before Sisi’s third and final term concludes in 2030. Timothy Kaldas of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy emphasized that Sisi requires a parliament under his full control to potentially extend his tenure beyond 2030, necessitating constitutional amendments. The 2019 constitutional revisions extended Sisi’s term from four to six years and retroactively counted his previous term as his first, enabling him to remain in office until 2030. In 2022, Sisi’s administration initiated a national dialogue, ostensibly to engage with the marginalized opposition.
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Lhasa’s GDP grows 7.1 percent in first three quarters of 2025
Lhasa, the capital of the Xizang Autonomous Region, has reported a significant economic upswing in the first three quarters of 2025. According to local authorities, the city’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached 75.39 billion yuan ($10.58 billion), marking a 7.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This growth was announced during a press conference held on Thursday, highlighting the region’s economic resilience and development momentum.
The city’s primary industry saw a notable rise, with an added value of 1.48 billion yuan, up by 9 percent year-on-year. The secondary industry also experienced substantial growth, expanding by 8.8 percent to reach an added value of 34 billion yuan. Meanwhile, the tertiary industry, which includes services and tourism, grew by 6 percent, contributing 39.81 billion yuan to the overall GDP.
Lhasa’s economic performance is a testament to the region’s strategic initiatives and its ability to attract tourists and investors alike. The Jokhang Temple, a prominent tourist attraction, continues to draw visitors, further boosting the local economy. This positive economic trajectory underscores Lhasa’s role as a key economic hub in the Xizang Autonomous Region.
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Abhishek Bachchan mourns loss of his makeup artist Ashok Sawant
Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan has expressed profound grief over the passing of his long-time makeup artist, Ashok Sawant, who had been an integral part of his professional and personal life for over 27 years. In a deeply emotional Instagram post, Bachchan remembered Sawant not merely as a colleague but as a cherished member of his family. The actor fondly referred to him as ‘Ashok dada,’ highlighting their bond that transcended the professional realm. Sawant, who had been Bachchan’s makeup artist since his debut film, was described as a loving, gentle, and affable individual who always carried a smile and warm embrace. Despite his health struggles in recent years, Sawant remained deeply involved in Bachchan’s work, ensuring his assistant took meticulous care of the actor’s makeup. Bachchan also recalled Sawant’s thoughtful gestures, such as bringing homemade snacks like ‘namkeen chivda’ and ‘bhakar wadi’ to the sets. The actor expressed his gratitude for Sawant’s unwavering love, care, dignity, and talent, concluding his tribute with heartfelt thanks for the memories they shared. The news of Sawant’s demise has left the Bollywood fraternity and fans mourning the loss of a dedicated and beloved professional.
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Co-hosting games boosts GBA integration
The 15th National Games, currently underway, have made history by involving Hong Kong and Macao as co-hosts for the first time in a national-level sports event. This unprecedented collaboration is seen as a significant milestone in the integration and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The event not only showcases the region’s ability to host large-scale international competitions but also strengthens ties between the mainland and the two Special Administrative Regions (SARs). Experts believe that this initiative will foster deeper economic, cultural, and social cooperation within the GBA, paving the way for a more unified and prosperous region. The Games serve as a platform to highlight the GBA’s potential as a global hub for sports, innovation, and collaboration.
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Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, White Stripes among Rock Hall of Fame inductees
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame welcomed a stellar lineup of inductees this year, celebrating the enduring legacy of music icons such as Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, The White Stripes, and Soundgarden. These artists joined the pantheon of legendary acts, cementing their place in music history. Cyndi Lauper, known for her vibrant punk aesthetic and timeless hits like ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ and ‘Time After Time,’ was introduced by Chappell Roan, who praised her four-octave range and fearless individuality. The White Stripes, celebrated for their anthems ‘Seven Nation Army’ and ‘Fell in Love with a Girl,’ were honored with a heartfelt tribute by Iggy Pop, who highlighted the band’s foundation of love in their music. Jack White accepted the award on behalf of the duo, dedicating it to the marginalized and forgotten. Outkast, the Atlanta hip-hop duo behind chart-toppers like ‘Hey Ya’ and ‘Ms. Jackson,’ and Soundgarden, the Seattle grunge pioneers of ‘Black Hole Sun,’ were also inducted, showcasing the diversity of musical genres represented. Posthumous honors were bestowed upon Joe Cocker, whose soulful renditions of ‘You Are So Beautiful’ and ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’ left an indelible mark on music history. Other inductees included arena rockers Bad Company and ‘The Twist’ singer Chubby Checker. Salt-N-Pepa, the groundbreaking hip-hop trio, received the Musical Influence Award for their empowering hits ‘Push It’ and ‘Shoop,’ with Missy Elliott lauding their foundational role in hip-hop. The event also recognized Nicky Hopkins, the English session pianist whose work with The Rolling Stones and The Beatles shaped iconic tracks like ‘Sympathy for the Devil.’ The ceremony featured electrifying performances by Elton John, Bryan Adams, Olivia Rodrigo, and more, while the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland unveiled an exhibit showcasing memorabilia from this year’s inductees.
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Britney Spears is back on Instagram with a cryptic post
Pop icon Britney Spears has made a comeback on Instagram, sharing a cryptic post about self-preservation and personal boundaries. This follows her recent decision to deactivate her account, during which she reflected on a tumultuous chapter in her life. Spears described a particularly harrowing experience in rehab towards the end of her 13-year conservatorship, a period she also detailed in her 2023 memoir, *The Woman in Me*.
In her Instagram post, Spears wrote, ‘So much has happened this year, it’s crazy… Get your ballerina slippers, circle, and own your boundaries. It’s incredibly strict and somewhat of a form of prayer, but with so many endless possibilities in life, it’s important to do you and keep it simple.’
Earlier, in a now-deleted post from October 19, Spears revealed the emotional and physical toll of her conservatorship, stating, ‘For 4 months I no longer had my private door and was illegally forced not to use my feet or body to go anywhere.’ She added, ‘I do feel like my wings were taken away and brain damage happened to me a long time ago, 100 per cent.’
The singer’s personal life has also been under scrutiny, particularly her relationship with her two sons, Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden James, 19, whom she shares with ex-husband Kevin Federline. Federline recently expressed concerns about Spears’ well-being while promoting his memoir, *You Thought You Knew*, which also touches on the boys’ strained relationship with their mother.
In response, Spears took to X (formerly Twitter) on October 15, accusing Federline of ‘constant gaslighting’ and describing his actions as ‘extremely hurtful and exhausting.’ She wrote, ‘I have always pleaded and screamed to have a life with my boys. Relationships with teenage boys are complex. I have felt demoralised by this situation and have always asked and almost begged for them to be a part of my life.’
Spears dismissed Federline’s memoir as ‘white lies,’ emphasizing, ‘I am the only one who genuinely gets hurt here.’ She concluded, ‘I speak on this because I have had enough, and any real woman would do the same.’
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Vatican investigates Swiss Guard after allegations of an antisemitic incident in St. Peter’s Square
The Vatican has launched an investigation into a reported antisemitic incident involving a member of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. The alleged event occurred on October 29 during a papal audience at the entrance to St. Peter’s Square, which was dedicated to commemorating the anniversary of a 1965 declaration on the church’s relations with Jews and other non-Christians. According to accounts, the guard reportedly made a spitting gesture and hissed “the Jews” at two Jewish women who were part of an international delegation attending the event. Israeli writer and theatre director Michal Govrin, one of the individuals involved, confirmed the incident in an interview with Austrian news agency Kathpress. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stated that the incident is under review, emphasizing the Guard’s commitment to dignity, equality, and non-discrimination. Pope Leo XIV, addressing the audience that day, reiterated the Church’s stance against antisemitism, receiving widespread applause. The Pontifical Swiss Guard, established in 1506, is the world’s oldest standing military corps tasked with protecting the Pope.
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Lando Norris adds to F1 Championship lead with 2nd straight win in Sao Paulo
Lando Norris of McLaren continued his impressive form in the 2025 Formula 1 season, securing his second consecutive victory at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday. Starting from pole position, Norris dominated the race, finishing over 10 seconds ahead of Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, who achieved a career-best second place. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen completed the podium in third, narrowly behind Antonelli. This win marks Norris’ seventh of the season, further solidifying his lead in the Drivers’ Championship standings. With three races remaining, Norris now holds a 24-point advantage over his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished fifth in Sao Paulo. Norris credited his success to the team’s efforts, stating, ‘McLaren are doing an amazing job, giving me a great car. We’re pushing hard every single weekend.’ The race also saw drama as Piastri received a controversial 10-second penalty for a collision with Antonelli, which forced Ferrari’s Charles LeClerc out of the race. Ferrari’s struggles continued as Lewis Hamilton retired mid-race, leaving the team with minimal points and dropping them to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.
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At least eight killed after car explodes near Delhi’s Red Fort
A devastating car explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi has claimed the lives of at least eight people and left 19 others injured, according to authorities. The incident occurred at approximately 18:52 local time (13:52 GMT) when a slow-moving Hyundai i20 stopped at a red light before exploding, causing significant damage to nearby vehicles. Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed the details, while Sanjay Tyagi, the city police spokesperson, stated that all possible causes are being investigated. The blast took place near a metro station close to the Red Fort, a historic Mughal fortress and a major tourist attraction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, while opposition leader Rahul Gandhi described the incident as “extremely heartbreaking.” Federal Home Minister Amit Shah revealed that teams from the National Security Guard and the National Investigation Agency, along with forensic experts, are conducting a thorough investigation. Security has been heightened in sensitive areas, including Uttar Pradesh, which borders Delhi and is home to iconic sites like the Taj Mahal. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with locals attempting to aid the injured amidst the wreckage.
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Abu Dhabi secures insurance for autonomous cars in city, says official
In a groundbreaking move for autonomous transportation, Abu Dhabi has successfully secured insurance for self-driving vehicles within the city, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s push toward advanced technological integration. Faisal Al Bannai, adviser to the UAE President and Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council, announced this achievement during the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit 2025. He highlighted that the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council has been actively addressing regulatory and insurance challenges, which have historically been major barriers to the deployment of autonomous systems globally. Al Bannai emphasized the city’s rapid progress, citing an example where autonomous cargo vehicles were tested and insured within just 45 days—a feat that left industry stakeholders astonished. He urged companies working with autonomous technologies, including drones and robotics, to focus their efforts on Abu Dhabi, describing it as the ideal hub for innovation. The UAE capital is already home to operational autonomous vehicles, with plans to introduce flying taxis in the near future. Al Bannai also revealed that Abu Dhabi is developing its own robotics AI model and autonomous platforms, positioning the UAE as a global leader in the autonomous technology race by 2026. The city aims to make 25% of trips autonomous by 2040, with some sectors expected to exceed this target. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities & Transport – Abu Dhabi, reinforced this vision, stating that Abu Dhabi is not just imagining the future but actively creating and deploying it. The city’s recent ranking as the fifth-best Smart City globally underscores its commitment to embedding innovation into everyday life.
