In a growing trend, families in New Delhi are abandoning the city’s toxic air in search of healthier environments, prioritizing their children’s well-being over urban ties. Natasha Uppal, a 36-year-old maternal health advocate, and her husband made the life-altering decision to leave Delhi in 2022 after years of battling severe migraines and indoor confinement due to hazardous air quality. Their relocation to Bengaluru coincided with the discovery of her pregnancy, marking a pivotal moment in their lives. Uppal described the move as the ‘best decision,’ emphasizing that clean air is a ‘basic human right.’ While Bengaluru’s air quality occasionally exceeds World Health Organization (WHO) limits, it pales in comparison to Delhi’s months-long smog, allowing her son to play outdoors freely. Delhi, home to over 30 million people, consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities. Each winter, the capital is engulfed in a toxic haze fueled by crop burning, factory emissions, and vehicular pollution. PM2.5 levels, cancer-causing microparticles small enough to enter the bloodstream, have soared to 60 times WHO limits. Despite government measures like partial vehicle bans and cloud-seeding trials, the crisis persists. A 2022 study in The Lancet Planetary Health estimated that 3.8 million deaths in India between 2009 and 2019 were linked to air pollution. The UN children’s agency warns that polluted air heightens children’s risk of acute respiratory infections. Vidushi Malhotra, another Delhi expatriate, relocated to Goa in 2021 after her two-year-old son repeatedly fell ill. She now encourages others to follow suit, sparking what she calls a ‘mini-movement.’ Meanwhile, some families, like Roli Shrivastava’s, remain in Delhi but live in constant anxiety. Shrivastava, whose toddler suffers from worsening respiratory issues each winter, prepares for another season indoors, relying on air purifiers and nebulisers. She admits that relocation is a frequent consideration, stating, ‘Delhi is not a good place to raise kids when it comes to air pollution.’
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Unlock the Power of Your Money with Fee-Free Banking & 6.25% interest p.a.: Here’s How Mashreq NEO PLUS is Redefining the Way UAE Banks Reward You
In a groundbreaking move, Mashreq NEO PLUS is transforming the banking landscape in the UAE by offering unparalleled financial benefits and convenience. This innovative digital banking solution is designed to help individuals and businesses maximize their savings and investments with ease. With the NEO PLUS Saver Account, customers can earn up to 6.25% interest per annum by transferring a monthly salary of AED 10,000 or more. For those unable to transfer their salary, maintaining a balance of AED 50,000 or more still yields an impressive 5% interest per annum. Notably, this account also offers a Shariah-compliant option, catering to a broader audience. Managed through the highly-rated Mashreq Mobile App, NEO PLUS ensures a seamless and user-friendly banking experience. Additionally, the platform eliminates hidden fees on everyday banking services, including local and international transfers, ATM withdrawals, and chequebooks. New customers are welcomed with a joining bonus of up to AED 5,000, which includes salary transfer incentives, debit card cashback, and referral rewards. Beyond savings, NEO PLUS opens the door to diverse investment opportunities, allowing customers to invest in US equities, UAE stocks, mutual funds, and bonds with as little as $1. The platform also offers 10 free trades every month in US stocks & ETFs, making it easier than ever to grow wealth. For aspiring homeowners, NEO PLUS provides exclusive perks, such as 100% cashback on valuation fees when booking a Mashreq Home Loan. With integrated services ranging from credit cards and loans to insurance and mortgages, Mashreq NEO PLUS offers a comprehensive banking solution. Recognized as the ‘Best Digital Bank in the Middle East’ for five consecutive years and the ‘Best Islamic Digital Bank’ globally for two years running, Mashreq NEO has earned a 4.8 customer rating, the highest in the UAE. Mashreq NEO PLUS is not just banking; it’s a smarter, more rewarding way to manage your finances. For more information, visit mashreq.com/NEOPLUS or download the Mashreq Mobile App to open your account.
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Karan Johar shares unseen pictures from ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ set
Karan Johar, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the iconic Bollywood movie ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,’ recently took a nostalgic trip down memory lane by sharing a series of never-before-seen photos from the film’s set. The 1998 blockbuster, which marked Johar’s directorial debut, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. On Thursday, Johar posted these candid snapshots on his Instagram account, accompanied by the timeless track ‘Tum Paas Aaye,’ further amplifying the emotional connection with his audience. The images feature the film’s legendary cast, including Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Farah Khan, Anupam Kher, and Archana Puran Singh, capturing moments of camaraderie and joy during the filming process. In his heartfelt caption, Johar reflected on the 27-year journey of the film, expressing gratitude for the enduring love it continues to receive. He described the set as a place filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories, thanking fans for their unwavering support. The post quickly garnered immense attention, with fans flooding the comments section to share their personal stories and cherished memories of the film. ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ not only redefined Bollywood romance but also left an indelible mark on pop culture, influencing fashion trends and youth culture of the time. The film earned Johar the prestigious National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, cementing its legacy as a cinematic masterpiece. As fans reminisce about Anjali’s iconic bob cut, SRK’s signature pendant, and the timeless themes of love and friendship, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ remains a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in Indian cinema.
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Cats fighting bear, fake investments: UAE officials warn deepfake videos can trick anyone
In a stark warning about the growing threat of deepfake technology, UAE officials have highlighted the potential dangers of manipulated videos, which are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from reality. Speaking at Gitex Global 2025, Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasized the global scale of this challenge. He shared an anecdote about a dinner conversation where attendees debated whether to adopt a cat after watching a deepfake video of a cat fending off a bear. Al Olama warned that such deceptive content could influence critical decisions, from voting in elections to sharing sensitive information. Meanwhile, Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, cautioned residents and investors against trusting social media videos falsely depicting him endorsing specific investments. He clarified that such videos are deepfakes and urged the public to remain vigilant. Both ministers stressed the need for global collaboration to address the issue, including the implementation of watermarks to identify deepfake content. Al Olama also highlighted the importance of upskilling the public and fostering a global dialogue to combat the misuse of AI technology.
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Watch: Moment grain silo collapses in Illinois
A dramatic incident unfolded in Martinton, Illinois, approximately 80 miles south of Chicago, when a grain silo filled with soybeans unexpectedly collapsed. The event, captured on video, showed the structure giving way under the weight of its contents, sending debris and soybeans cascading to the ground. Fortunately, local authorities confirmed that there were no injuries reported in the aftermath of the collapse. The cause of the incident remains under investigation, with officials examining potential structural failures or other contributing factors. The collapse has raised concerns about the safety and maintenance of agricultural storage facilities in the region. Residents and workers in the area expressed relief that no one was harmed, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with such structures. Authorities are now working to assess the damage and ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
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How Channing Tatum injured himself while filming a scene in ‘Roofman’
Channing Tatum recently opened up about an on-set injury he sustained while filming a particularly challenging scene in his latest movie, ‘Roofman.’ The actor, who portrays fugitive Jeffrey Manchester, shared the details during an interview, describing the incident as one of the most awkward and physically demanding moments of his career. The scene in question required Tatum to perform a nude sequence, which left him with a permanent scar. According to Deadline, the accident occurred while shooting a chaotic moment where Jeffrey, caught showering in a Toys ‘R’ Us store, attempts to flee. Tatum explained that the scene involved him jumping onto a bike rack and climbing a wall, during which he gashed his leg. Despite the injury, the team quickly patched him up with glue, and filming continued. Tatum also highlighted the awkwardness of filming such a scene, particularly with the camera placement, as he questioned how the director, Derek Cianfrance, planned to shoot it without compromising the scene’s integrity. ‘Roofman,’ which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, also stars Kirsten Dunst as Leigh, a Toys ‘R’ Us employee who forms a connection with Tatum’s character. The film is currently in theaters.
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One of world’s oldest dinosaurs discovered in Argentina
In a groundbreaking discovery, Argentinian scientists have unearthed the fossilized remains of one of the world’s oldest dinosaur species in the Andes Mountains. The find, announced by the CONICET research agency, includes a nearly complete skeleton of a small long-necked reptile named Huayracursor Jaguensis. The fossil was discovered at an altitude of 3,000 meters in Argentina’s northwest region. The team recovered part of the dinosaur’s skull, a complete vertebral column extending to the tail, and nearly intact forelimbs and hindlimbs. Published in the prestigious journal Nature, the discovery is expected to provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of dinosaurs. Agustin Martinelli, one of the study’s authors, estimates that the Huayracursor roamed the Earth between 230 and 225 million years ago, placing it at the end of the Triassic period. This era marked the emergence of the first dinosaurs and the ancestors of mammals. Despite belonging to a lineage of herbivorous dinosaurs that later evolved into long-necked giants, the Huayracursor Jaguensis was relatively small, measuring about two meters in length and weighing approximately 18 kilograms. The discovery underscores the significance of the Triassic period in the evolution of life on Earth and highlights Argentina’s rich paleontological heritage.
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Diane Keaton’s family reveals cause of death, expresses gratitude for ‘love and support’
The family of legendary actress Diane Keaton has disclosed that she passed away due to pneumonia on October 11, 2025. In an exclusive statement to People magazine, the Keaton family expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming love and support they have received during this difficult time. The Oscar-winning actress, best known for her iconic role in ‘Annie Hall,’ was 79 years old at the time of her death. Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, Keaton was the eldest of four children. Her father was a civil engineer, while her mother, a homemaker, nurtured her creative talents. Keaton began her acting journey in school plays and later pursued drama in college before moving to New York to pursue a career in theatre. She adopted her mother’s maiden name, Keaton, as her stage name. Her breakthrough role came in 1972 with ‘The Godfather,’ where she starred alongside Al Pacino. She reprised her role in the film’s sequels and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1977 for her performance in Woody Allen’s ‘Annie Hall.’ Over the years, Keaton became a Hollywood icon, starring in beloved films such as ‘The First Wives Club,’ ‘Father of the Bride,’ ‘Baby Boom,’ and ‘Something’s Gotta Give,’ which earned her another Oscar nomination. The Keaton family also highlighted her passion for supporting the unhoused community and animal shelters, encouraging fans to donate to these causes in her memory. ‘She loved her animals and was steadfast in her support of the unhoused community,’ the family stated. ‘Any donations in her memory to a local food bank or an animal shelter would be a wonderful tribute to her.’ Diane Keaton’s legacy as a versatile and compassionate artist continues to inspire generations of fans and fellow actors.
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Temporary ceasefire halts deadly Pakistan-Afghanistan fighting
A fragile 48-hour ceasefire has been implemented along the volatile Pakistan-Afghanistan border, offering a brief respite from the deadly cross-border clashes that have claimed dozens of lives in recent days. The truce, announced by Islamabad, aims to create a window for constructive dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions. Officials from both sides confirmed on Thursday that the ceasefire was holding, with no reports of violence overnight. The recent clashes, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties, have drawn international concern and calls for de-escalation. In Spin Boldak, a key flashpoint on the Afghan side, residents cautiously returned to their homes as shops reopened. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported at least 18 civilian deaths and over 350 injuries, while local officials in Spin Boldak confirmed around 20 civilian fatalities and nearly 170 wounded. Islamabad has accused the Taliban-led Afghan government of harboring militants responsible for attacks on Pakistani security forces—a claim Kabul denies. Meanwhile, additional paramilitary troops have been deployed along the border to deter potential militant activity that could disrupt the ceasefire. The conflict has also seen cross-border airstrikes and explosions, with Kabul blaming an oil tanker explosion for recent blasts, while Pakistani sources claim precision strikes targeted militant bases. The UN rights chief has welcomed the ceasefire and urged both parties to prioritize civilian safety and work towards a lasting peace.
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Green MP raises case of Marwan Barghouti’s release from prison in UK parliament
In a notable intervention in the British Parliament, Green Party MP Ellie Chowns has brought attention to the ongoing imprisonment of Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian political figure, by Israel. Describing Barghouti as “a unifying voice for Palestinian rights, dignity, and freedom,” Chowns questioned the UK government’s efforts to secure his release, particularly in light of his potential role in fostering lasting peace in the region. Barghouti, who has been incarcerated since 2004 and was recently in solitary confinement during Israel’s military operations in Gaza, was initially considered for release as part of a ceasefire agreement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office reportedly removed his name from the prisoner exchange list at the last minute. Barghouti, a senior Fatah leader and a unifying figure among Palestinian factions, including Hamas, has been a symbol of resistance since his involvement in the Second Intifada (2000-2005). Despite his widespread popularity and the backing of regional powers like Egypt and Qatar for his release, senior Palestinian Authority (PA) officials reportedly opposed his inclusion in any exchange, fearing it could undermine President Mahmoud Abbas’s leadership. The UK government, while emphasizing support for a Palestinian-led recovery in Gaza, has maintained its stance that Hamas must disarm and play no role in governance. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has proposed a technocratic transitional authority for post-war Gaza, sidelining significant Palestinian involvement. Barghouti’s case has reignited debates on Palestinian leadership and the path to peace, with his recent public appearance during a visit by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir highlighting his enduring significance.