The Westminster Magistrates Court in London has become the epicenter of a legal storm as dozens of individuals face terrorism charges for expressing support for the proscribed group Palestine Action. The preliminary hearings, spanning two days, saw judges grappling with an unprecedented caseload of approximately 2,100 defendants. These individuals are accused of holding cardboard signs that read, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action,” an act now classified as a low-level terrorism offense under UK law, punishable by up to six months in prison. The hearings on Thursday addressed 28 cases, with many defendants being elderly pensioners. Former government lawyer Tim Crosland highlighted the strain on the judicial system, stating, “You’ve got very few judges, very few courts that are equipped to deal with this very extraordinary regime.” The majority of defendants were arrested during initial protests in July, challenging the government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action under anti-terror laws. This designation, enacted on July 4 following an incident at RAF Brize Norton, places Palestine Action in the same category as groups like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Support for the group is now a criminal offense, carrying a potential 14-year prison sentence. The legal proceedings have been further complicated by an ongoing challenge to the proscription, which could potentially overturn the ban and nullify many prosecutions. Judge Snow has proposed a plan to manage the overwhelming number of cases, scheduling at least two trials daily for 10 defendants starting March 23, totaling around 400 trials. However, this plan has been criticized by lawyers and defendants who argue it undermines the right to a fair trial. The situation has sparked concerns about the erosion of democratic rights, with Crosland warning, “The sorts of things that are being suggested go against yet another democratic right, which is the right to a fair trial and a fair hearing.”
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Watch: Rains cause flooding in Al Ain; authorities issue orange alert
Al Ain and its surrounding areas experienced severe rainfall on Thursday, leading to widespread flooding and hazardous driving conditions. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) had earlier forecasted a period of rainy weather due to a low-pressure system affecting the UAE. The downpour was particularly intense in desert and mountainous regions, creating mini waterfalls and transforming roads into streams. Videos circulating on social media captured cars navigating through waterlogged streets with windshield wipers working tirelessly against the relentless rain. The NCM issued orange and yellow alerts for the eastern parts of the country, urging residents and visitors to exercise caution and adhere to official guidance. Authorities have emphasized the importance of staying updated with the latest weather advisories to ensure safety during this challenging weather event.
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Norris held accountable for McLaren’s scrap in Singapore that tightened up F1 title chase
The McLaren team has put the controversial incident from the Singapore Grand Prix behind them, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri now refocusing on their pursuit of the Formula 1 championship. Norris acknowledged on Thursday that he took responsibility for the collision with Piastri at the start of the race, which allowed him to secure a better position and narrow Piastri’s championship lead to just 22 points. Despite the incident, both drivers emphasized that McLaren’s team principles, known as the ‘papaya rules,’ remain unchanged as they head into the United States Grand Prix this weekend. Piastri expressed his dissatisfaction during the Singapore race, claiming that the team’s decision not to order a position swap was unfair, especially after previous incidents where he was instructed to let Norris pass. The tension has sparked concerns about whether the pressure of a title fight between teammates could destabilize the team, which has already secured the constructor’s championship. Norris defended his actions, stating that while he regretted the contact, he would not pass up an opportunity to gain an advantage. He also dismissed comparisons to past rivalries, such as the infamous Hamilton-Rosberg feud at Mercedes, praising McLaren team principal Andrea Stella for maintaining team morale. With six Grand Prix and three sprint races remaining, both drivers are vying for their first F1 championship. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is mounting a late-season charge, adding further intensity to the title race. As the teams prepare for the heat-hazard-designated races in Texas, drivers will have the option to use cooling vests to combat the scorching temperatures, which are expected to exceed 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius).
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World Padel Academy brings together global athletes for the Tooba Padel Cup in support of Al Jalila Foundation
In a groundbreaking initiative blending sportsmanship and philanthropy, the World Padel Academy (WPA) hosted the Tooba Padel Cup on October 4, 2025, in Dubai. The charity tournament brought together 14 doubles pairs of professional athletes, padel enthusiasts, and philanthropists for a day of competitive sport and social impact. The event, held in collaboration with the Al Jalila Foundation, aimed to raise awareness and funds for individuals and families in need across the UAE. The tournament followed a single-elimination format, featuring the Fast4 rules — one set to four games, a tiebreak to seven points at three-all, and no-ad scoring to maintain a dynamic pace. The day culminated in an awards ceremony and a charity auction, where exclusive signed memorabilia from participating athletes were auctioned off, with all proceeds channeled to the Al Jalila Foundation through Tooba’s innovative donation platform. Ali Al Arif, CEO of World Padel Academy, emphasized the event’s broader mission, stating, ‘Sport has always been more than competition; it is about connection, wellness, and creating lasting impact.’ Tooba, an international charitable platform, has revolutionized giving by enabling direct contributions to verified causes, ensuring transparency and accessibility. Since its inception, Tooba has facilitated over $40 million in donations, benefiting more than 700,000 people globally. Ramazan Medzhidov, founder of Tooba, expressed gratitude to the WPA, partners, and attendees, highlighting how the event transformed sport into tangible social impact. The collaboration showcased the power of sport to drive meaningful change, combining WPA’s world-class sporting infrastructure, Tooba’s cutting-edge donation technology, and Al Jalila Foundation’s humanitarian efforts. Together, they demonstrated how purpose-led initiatives can inspire communities and create a lasting legacy of compassion and support.
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Venezuela floated a plan for Maduro to slowly give up power, but was rejected by US, AP source says
In a bid to alleviate escalating U.S. pressure, Venezuelan government officials have reportedly proposed a plan for President Nicolás Maduro to step down from power within three years, according to a former Trump administration official. The plan, which was swiftly rejected by the White House, suggests Maduro would hand over authority to Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who would complete his current term until January 2031 without seeking re-election. The U.S. administration dismissed the proposal, citing ongoing concerns over the legitimacy of Maduro’s rule and accusations of Venezuela operating as a narco-terrorist state.
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Ayushmann Khurrana bites into horror, comedy, and chaos in ‘Thamma’
Ayushmann Khurrana, known for his grounded performances, is venturing into uncharted territory with his upcoming film ‘Thamma’. The actor, who has built a reputation for realistic roles, is now diving headfirst into the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHU). ‘Thamma’, set to release on October 21, blends horror, comedy, and romance, offering a fresh take on Indian folklore. The film centers around a regular man who unexpectedly gains supernatural powers, inspired by the Betals of Indian mythology. Khurrana describes the project as a ‘genesis story’ and a departure from his previous work. The film also features an eclectic cast, including Rashmika Mandanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who bring their unique energy to the screen. Khurrana reveals that the shoot, completed in just 55 days, felt like a ‘boot camp’ but was a thrilling experience. The film also incorporates contemporary cultural references, such as the viral track ‘Dame Un Grrr’, to connect with younger audiences. Khurrana, who remains a rationalist, shares a personal anecdote about a spooky encounter during a shoot in Himachal Pradesh. Reflecting on the film, he emphasizes the importance of self-expression and imagination when acting opposite imaginary entities. With ‘Thamma’, Khurrana solidifies his place in the MHU, hinting at future sequels and cameos. The film promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions, blending the absurd with the supernatural.
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Trump administration sued over $100K fee for skilled worker visas
The US Chamber of Commerce has initiated legal action against the Trump administration’s newly imposed $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, a program designed for skilled foreign workers. Neil Bradley, Chief Policy Officer of the Chamber, criticized the fee, stating it would render the program financially unfeasible for American employers. The fee was introduced via an executive order signed by President Trump last month, who claimed the visa program had been misused and detrimental to the American workforce. The H-1B visa is particularly vital for the US tech industry, utilized extensively by both large corporations and small startups. The White House defended the fee, labeling it as a lawful and essential step towards reforming the visa program. This fee applies exclusively to new visa applications and mandates payment for entry. The decision has sparked criticism from tech leaders, including Elon Musk, Satya Nadella, and Sundar Pichai, who themselves began their careers in the US on H-1B visas. They argue that the program is crucial for attracting global talent. Concurrently, Trump introduced a ‘gold card’ initiative, offering expedited visas to certain immigrants in exchange for fees starting at £1 million. The Chamber of Commerce contends that the fee would severely harm American businesses, potentially leading to increased labor costs or reduced hiring of skilled workers. Despite this, the Chamber acknowledged Trump’s broader economic agenda positively. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick supported the fee, suggesting companies should assess the value of retaining foreign workers against the cost. The majority of H-1B visa holders originate from India and China. Tech companies assert that these workers are not easily replaceable by American labor. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers emphasized that the administration’s measures aim to prevent the suppression of American wages.
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China has found Trump’s pain point – rare earths
China’s Ministry of Commerce recently issued ‘Announcement No. 62 of 2025,’ a seemingly innocuous document that has significantly disrupted the fragile tariff truce between China and the United States. The announcement introduces stringent new restrictions on rare earth exports, tightening Beijing’s control over these critical minerals essential for technologies ranging from smartphones to fighter jets. Under the new regulations, foreign companies must obtain Chinese government approval to export products containing even minimal amounts of rare earths and declare their intended use. This move underscores China’s near-monopoly in rare earth processing, which accounts for approximately 70% of global supply. In response, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods and implement export controls on key software. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized the measures, stating, ‘This is China versus the world. They have pointed a bazooka at the supply chains and the industrial base of the entire free world.’ A Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson countered, accusing the US of introducing 20 measures to suppress China shortly after September’s economic talks in Madrid. The escalation has also seen both nations impose new port fees on each other’s ships, marking the end of months of relative calm since a May truce. Experts predict that China’s rare earth restrictions will give it the upper hand in upcoming negotiations between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Analysts note that while rare earths constitute a small fraction of China’s $18.7 trillion economy, their strategic value is immense, providing Beijing with significant leverage. Despite the tensions, both sides have left the door open for negotiations, with Bessent expressing optimism about de-escalation. However, China’s recent actions are seen as a strategic move to strengthen its position ahead of trade talks, leveraging its dominance in rare earths to pressure Washington for a favorable deal.
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No crackers, only lights: Dubai homes sparkle as Indian families celebrate Diwali
As the sun sets over Dubai, the city transforms into a radiant spectacle of lights and warmth, marking the celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights, by Indian families across the Emirates. From the bustling lanes of Karama and Bur Dubai to the serene villa communities of Arabian Ranches, homes are adorned with twinkling string lights, flickering LED lamps, and shimmering candles, creating a festive ambiance that bridges the distance from India to the UAE. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, holds profound significance for Indian communities worldwide, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. In Dubai, the festival is not just about illumination but also about preserving cultural heritage and fostering a sense of community. Geetanjali Kumar, a long-time UAE resident, emphasizes the importance of giving during Diwali. Her family prepares hampers of essential items for community helpers, teaching their children empathy and the spirit of sharing. Similarly, Sheetal Sablepatil from Arabian Ranches revives childhood memories by preparing traditional Maharashtrian sweets and decorating her villa with lights, celebrating the festival with close friends. Yoga instructor Ritu Agarwal from The Springs balances her professional commitments with the five-day Diwali celebrations, highlighting the significance of integrating tradition into daily life. Across Dubai, Diwali serves as a reminder of cultural roots, bringing families together through prayers, feasts, and the warmth of shared traditions. The festival’s essence of spreading light and joy resonates deeply, making Dubai a home away from home for the Indian diaspora.
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Sber joins global tech leaders at GITEX GLOBAL 2025, showcasing breakthrough technologies
Sber, a leading technology company, made a significant impact at GITEX GLOBAL 2025, held in Dubai from October 13–17, 2025. The event, renowned for bringing together global tech innovators, saw Sber unveil its latest AI-driven solutions and announce the upcoming AI Journey conference in Moscow. The exhibition featured Sber’s cutting-edge technologies, including GigaChat, a neural network model; GigaStudio, a website and landing page generator; and Smile and Pay technology. Attendees also experienced interactive image creation with the Kandinsky neural network and music track generation using the SymFormer AI service, which included Arabic vocals. The AIRI Institute, a partner of Sber, showcased eight advanced solutions, such as CADrille for 3D model restoration and LLM Microscope for evaluating language models. The Speech Technology Center introduced AI-powered B2B and B2G solutions, including GridID and Smart Tracker FRS. Andrey Belevtsev, Sberbank’s senior vice president, emphasized the importance of GITEX in promoting Russian technological advancements globally and highlighted Sber’s role in shaping the future of AI. The AI Journey conference, scheduled for November 19–21, 2025, will further explore AI’s impact on science, economy, and society.