Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical giant behind the widely popular weight-loss drug Wegovy and diabetes treatment Ozempic, is undergoing a significant boardroom reshuffle. Seven board members, including Chairman Helge Lund and Vice Chair Henrik Poulsen, are set to depart following an extraordinary investor meeting in November. This move comes amidst a series of transformative changes for the Danish company, which recently appointed a new CEO in August and announced plans to lay off 9,000 employees in September. The company has also issued profit warnings due to heightened competition from U.S. rivals, leading to a revised profit growth forecast for the third time this year. The widespread adoption of Ozempic, often used off-label for weight loss, and Wegovy had previously propelled Novo Nordisk to become Europe’s most valuable company in summer 2024. However, recent competition from firms like Eli Lilly has eroded its valuation, with shares dipping 1.7% following news of the boardroom shake-up. The departures stem from disagreements between board members and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the company’s majority shareholder, which holds 28.1% of shares but controls three-quarters of voting rights. The Foundation, which successfully pushed for the removal of former CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen in May, is now nominating Lars Rebien Sorensen, its current chairman and former Novo Nordisk CEO, to replace Mr. Lund.
作者： admin
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Passengers jump from windows in fatal Ethiopia train crash
A tragic train accident in eastern Ethiopia has left 15 people dead and dozens injured, according to local officials. The incident occurred on Monday night in the town of Shinile, where a moving train derailed before colliding with a stationary train. Passengers were forced to leap from the carriages to escape the chaos, with many sustaining injuries in the process. Local media images revealed overturned and crushed carriages, painting a grim picture of the scene. District Commissioner Jibril Omar attributed the crash to the train’s poor condition, citing its age and inability to handle heavy loads. Overloading was also identified as a significant contributing factor. The train, which was transporting both passengers and cargo such as rice, pasta, and cooking oil, was en route from Dewele to Dire Dawa when the accident occurred. Mohammed Adem, a spokesperson for the Somali regional government, confirmed that all deceased and injured individuals had been recovered from the site. An investigation into the cause of the collision has been initiated. Train accidents are relatively uncommon in Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous nation. The Somali region, where the crash took place, is one of Ethiopia’s largest and is primarily inhabited by ethnic Somalis. The rescue mission has since been completed, according to regional authorities.
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Magnitude 4.6 earthquake jolts Pakistan at 170km depth
A moderate earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale shook Pakistan on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, as reported by India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The seismic event occurred at a depth of 170 kilometers at 10:59 AM local time (9:29 AM UAE time). This follows a series of tremors in the region, including a magnitude 4.7 quake on Monday and multiple moderate quakes over the weekend. The affected area, encompassing Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India, is one of the world’s most seismically active zones due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geological activity frequently results in earthquakes that are felt across borders. Pakistan, in particular, is highly vulnerable to seismic events, with regions like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan lying on the southern edge of the Eurasian plate, while Sindh and Punjab are situated on the northwestern edge of the Indian plate. These areas are prone to frequent and sometimes violent earthquakes, posing significant risks to the local population.
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Actor Asrani dies: From Sholay to Hera Pheri, his most memorable comic roles
The Indian film industry is in mourning following the passing of comedy icon Asrani, who died on October 20, 2025, at the age of 84. With a career spanning nearly six decades, Asrani, born Govardhan Asrani, left an indelible mark on Bollywood through his unparalleled comic timing and versatile acting. His legacy includes over 350 films, where he seamlessly transitioned between serious and comedic roles, earning him a special place in the hearts of audiences across generations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Asrani, describing him as a gifted entertainer who brought joy and laughter to countless lives. Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who shared the screen with Asrani in numerous films, expressed his grief on social media, recalling their recent collaboration and praising Asrani’s legendary comic timing. Kumar highlighted their work together in cult classics like ‘Hera Pheri,’ ‘Bhagam Bhag,’ and ‘De Dana Dan,’ among others.
Asrani’s career began in 1967, and he quickly became a household name with his memorable performances in films such as ‘Bawarchi’ (1972), where he played a music director, and ‘Sholay’ (1975), where his portrayal of an eccentric jail warden became iconic. His role in ‘Chupke Chupke’ (1975) further cemented his reputation as a master of comedy. In the 2000s, Asrani continued to shine in films like ‘Hera Pheri’ (2000) and ‘Malamaal Weekly’ (2006), where his comedic brilliance stood out amidst ensemble casts.
Asrani’s contributions to Indian cinema have left a lasting impact, and his absence will be deeply felt by fans and colleagues alike. His ability to bring laughter to the screen remains unmatched, ensuring his place as one of Bollywood’s greatest comedy legends.
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Ubuy rolls out ‘Ubuy Gift Cards’, expanding payment options for GCC shoppers
Kuwait-based e-commerce giant Ubuy has unveiled its first-ever range of gift cards, a strategic initiative aimed at diversifying payment options and enriching consumer experiences in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The Ubuy Gift Cards, available in denominations of $50, $100, and $150, provide a seamless shopping experience by covering not only product costs but also shipping fees and customs charges. This all-inclusive approach ensures transparency and eliminates unexpected expenses at checkout. Unlike traditional store credit systems, Ubuy’s gift cards boast lifetime validity, allowing recipients to redeem their balance at any time. The launch coincides with heightened competition in the GCC’s online retail sector, where both global and regional players are aggressively innovating to attract tech-savvy, cross-border shoppers. Ubuy’s move is seen as an effort to adapt global e-commerce trends to regional preferences, particularly in a culture where gifting holds significant importance. Dhari AlAbdulhadi, CTO and Founder of Ubuy, emphasized that the gift cards are designed to make gifting more meaningful by offering recipients access to a vast array of international products delivered directly to their doorstep. The cards are positioned as versatile tools for various occasions, from weddings and graduations to religious festivals and personal milestones. Recipients can easily redeem their cards via Ubuy’s platform and use the balance either fully or in combination with other payment methods. By integrating customs and shipping costs into the card’s value, Ubuy addresses a common pain point for GCC customers, ensuring a smoother and more predictable shopping experience.
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Ayni Gold announces upcoming retail access following strong OTC interest amid elevated gold prices
Ayni Gold, a blockchain-based initiative tied to operational gold processing in Peru, is set to launch limited retail access later this month, as revealed by the company’s Chief Technology Officer, Daniel C. Tschinkel. This retail phase will operate concurrently with existing over-the-counter (OTC) allocations, allowing participation starting from approximately $100, subject to jurisdictional restrictions and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. The announcement coincides with gold prices nearing record highs, driven by global demand for safe-haven assets and increasing interest in tokenized commodity exposure. Recent geopolitical tensions, persistent inflation, and central bank gold acquisitions have further fueled the metal’s momentum, sparking discussions on how blockchain technology can enhance traditional gold-linked financial instruments. Unlike conventional vault-backed tokens or those tied to unmined reserves, Ayni Gold tokenizes gold-mining capacity, directly linking blockchain participation to active processing throughput. Each AYNI token represents a fixed share of the project’s processing capacity, measured in cubic meters per hour (m³/h), ensuring transparency and verifiability. The initiative operates in collaboration with Minerales San Hilario, a licensed Peruvian mining company with a proven production history. To bolster transparency, Ayni has commissioned an independent scoping study and third-party audit, complemented by routine on-chain reporting of token issuance and production data. This dual-reporting approach enables participants to monitor operational progress through both blockchain and traditional methods. Ayni’s model emphasizes predictability, as tokens are tied to processing capacity, potentially enhancing returns with rising gold prices. Additionally, 15% of project revenue is allocated to buyback and burn mechanisms, though outcomes depend on operational and market conditions. Staking participants receive variable PAXG-denominated distributions via smart contracts, allowing them to earn rewards tied to global gold prices without exposure to AYNI’s market volatility. By using PAXG for rewards instead of issuing additional AYNI tokens, the model reduces volatility and provides a familiar reference point for participants accustomed to traditional commodities. However, staking remains optional, with rewards varying based on mining performance and operating costs.
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Warner Bros Discovery explores sale citing buyer interest
Warner Bros. Discovery, the media giant behind HBO, CNN, and other prominent networks, has announced it is evaluating a potential sale following unsolicited acquisition offers from multiple parties. CEO David Zaslav revealed that the company’s board is assessing its options to determine the best strategy to maximize the value of its assets. The announcement triggered an 8% surge in the company’s stock, fueling speculation of a bidding war. Among the interested parties is Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, son of Oracle founder Larry Ellison. The media industry has been undergoing rapid consolidation as it grapples with the rise of streaming services and the decline of traditional pay TV and advertising revenues. Warner Bros. Discovery itself emerged from the merger of Warner Media and Discovery just three years ago, but the company has since struggled with significant debt and financial losses. Earlier this year, Zaslav proposed splitting the company’s streaming operations from its traditional cable networks. Analysts note that the company’s extensive content library, featuring franchises like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Looney Tunes, makes it an attractive target for firms seeking to expand their streaming portfolios. However, the appeal of its cable networks remains uncertain. Board Chairman Samuel DiPiazza reiterated the company’s commitment to its strategic plan but acknowledged that all options, including a full or partial sale, are under review. The timeline for this review remains unspecified. Paramount Skydance’s interest, coming shortly after its own merger, has drawn particular attention, reflecting David Ellison’s ambitious vision. A potential sale could face regulatory scrutiny over competition and antitrust concerns, though analysts believe the Ellison family’s favorable relationship with former President Donald Trump could ease approval processes. Brent Penter of Raymond James noted that the Ellisons’ goodwill with the Trump administration, which previously approved their Paramount deal, could prove advantageous in this scenario.
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‘Heart of India-Israel alliance’: New York group releases report slamming Tata
The Tata Group, a prominent Indian conglomerate, has come under intense scrutiny for its extensive ties with the Israeli government and military, as highlighted in a detailed 59-page report titled *Architects of Occupation: The Tata Group, Indian Capital, and the India-Israel Alliance*. Published by the South Asian political organization Salam, the report accuses Tata of being deeply embedded in systems of occupation, surveillance, and dispossession in Palestine. The report’s release coincides with growing pressure on the New York Road Runners (NYRR) to sever ties with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the title sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon, over its alleged complicity in Israel’s actions in Gaza. Since 2024, activists in New York City have spearheaded the #TataByeBye campaign, accusing Tata of enabling Israel’s apartheid regime. The report alleges that Tata provides critical hardware, machinery, and digital infrastructure supporting Israel’s military operations. Tata’s involvement in Project Nimbus, a cloud-computing initiative with Amazon and Microsoft, has further fueled criticism, with activists claiming these partnerships contribute to surveillance and repression. The report also underscores Tata’s role in global defense networks, including joint ventures with American defense giants and collaborations with Israel Aerospace Industries. Tata Motors, through its subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover, supplies chassis for armored vehicles used by Israeli troops in the West Bank. Despite the controversy, Tata has not publicly responded to the allegations. The TCS New York City Marathon, scheduled for November 2, remains a focal point for activists aiming to disrupt Tata’s global image of corporate benevolence.
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Delhi air quality reaches highest ‘hazardous’ levels in the world after Diwali fireworks
New Delhi’s air quality has reached alarming levels, registering as the most polluted major city globally following the Diwali festival. According to Swiss air quality monitoring group IQAir, the city’s PM 2.5 concentration soared to 442, exceeding the World Health Organisation’s annual guideline by more than 59 times. This hazardous spike is attributed to the widespread use of firecrackers during the Hindu festival of lights, despite the Supreme Court of India’s partial relaxation of a ban on their use. The court had allowed ‘green crackers’ for a limited three-hour window on Sunday and Monday, but reports indicate violations of these restrictions.
PM 2.5, particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or less in diameter, poses severe health risks, including respiratory and cardiac diseases. India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classified Delhi’s air quality as ‘very poor,’ with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 350. The Ministry of Earth Sciences predicts no immediate relief, forecasting AQI levels to remain between 201 and 400 in the coming days.
Delhi’s winter smog, exacerbated by construction dust, vehicle emissions, and agricultural fires, has long been a public health crisis. Past measures to combat pollution include school closures, construction halts, and vehicle restrictions. The issue extends beyond India, with neighboring Pakistan’s Punjab province also grappling with toxic air. Lahore, Punjab’s capital, recorded an AQI of 234, the second-highest globally. Pakistani authorities have implemented an emergency plan targeting farm fires, smoke-emitting vehicles, and deploying anti-smog guns.
Experts warn that cross-border air pollution is exacerbating the crisis. Sajid Bashir, spokesperson for Punjab’s Environment Protection Agency, highlighted the impact of air currents from Indian Punjab on Pakistani air quality. As both nations face this environmental challenge, coordinated efforts are essential to mitigate the health and environmental impacts of hazardous air pollution.
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Chery Group and OMODA&JAECOO champion nature-based solutions at IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025
Chery Group, alongside its premium brand OMODA&JAECOO, has reaffirmed its dedication to environmental sustainability and global ecological responsibility at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. As an official sponsor, Chery emphasized its commitment to sustainable growth through Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), positioning itself as a leader in aligning industrial progress with ecological preservation. Will Li, executive vice president of a Chery subsidiary in the UAE, delivered a keynote speech titled “Accelerating NbS Globally: The IUCN–Chery Partnership for People and Planet.” He highlighted Chery’s philosophy of creating local value and lasting community impact through responsible global engagement. Li noted that sustainable growth is central to Chery’s global strategy, as evidenced by its rise of 152 positions on the 2025 Fortune Global 500 list, now ranking 233rd. He stated, ‘Our success as a business is tied directly to how well we protect our shared home. True innovation combines technology, responsibility, and care for the planet.’ Chery’s partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) includes the ‘Cherish the Nature’ Global Partnership Program, launched in 2024 to conserve, restore, and sustainably manage over 10 million hectares of critical ecosystems worldwide. One notable project is the seagrass restoration program in Andalusia, Spain, aimed at protecting Posidonia seagrass meadows threatened by rising sea temperatures, tourism, and traditional mooring. OMODA&JAECOO has actively participated in these initiatives, working alongside IUCN experts to apply NbS principles. Li emphasized that the future of mobility must evolve in harmony with nature, stating, ‘We are not only designing intelligent vehicles — we are designing a sustainable future.’ OMODA&JAECOO’s innovation ecosystem includes the AiMOGA intelligent robot, reflecting its commitment to human-centric AI development. The brand is also organizing the International User Summit 2025 in China to shape the future of intelligent mobility through collaboration and innovation. Recently, OMODA&JAECOO launched the JAECOO J7 SHS (Super Hybrid System) in the UAE, showcasing exceptional fuel-electric synergy and advanced smart features designed for sustainability and performance. The OMODA C7, planned for launch in January 2026, will bring further advancements in intelligent green mobility. Chery’s sustainability framework focuses on a triple-bottom-line approach, ensuring ecological impact, economic empowerment, and social benefit. Li concluded, ‘Every conservation project we support must protect nature, empower people, and build resilient communities. This is how we transform conservation from aid into shared value creation.’ Through its partnership with IUCN, Chery is supporting five major marine and water resource protection projects globally, positioning itself as a strategic co-creator of long-term ecological solutions.