The ongoing debate about long working hours in the film industry has gained momentum, with actor Ishaan Khatter adding his voice to the conversation. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2025, Khatter highlighted the importance of addressing the issue, particularly the abuse of time protocols on film sets. The ‘Homebound’ star emphasized the need for filmmakers to be more considerate of individuals and their circumstances, even as he acknowledged the passion that drives actors to extend their shifts. Khatter’s remarks come in the wake of similar concerns raised by industry veterans like filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who stressed the importance of well-being and rest for both quality and profitability in the industry. The discussion was reignited after Deepika Padukone’s exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Spirit’ due to her alleged demand for an eight-hour workday. Khatter, currently celebrating the success of ‘Homebound,’ India’s official submission for the 2026 Oscars, reflected on the film’s poignant narrative of friendship, identity, and resilience in rural India. His comments underscore a growing call for systemic change in the industry’s work culture.
作者: admin
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George Santos wants to use his newfound freedom to reform prisons
George Santos, the former Republican U.S. Representative from New York, has vowed to dedicate his life to prison reform following his release from federal prison. Santos was granted clemency by President Donald Trump, who commuted his seven-year sentence for wire fraud and identity theft. Santos, who was expelled from Congress in 2023 after an ethics scandal, described his prison experience as “dehumanising” and “humbling” in an interview with The Washington Post. He admitted to stealing the identities of 11 individuals, including family members, and was released on Friday night. During his 84-day incarceration, Santos authored several columns for The South Shore Press, detailing the dire conditions of the prison system. He highlighted issues such as rotting facilities, broken air conditioning, and thick black mold in the ceiling, describing the environment as unfit for long-term habitation. Santos revealed that he spoke with President Trump on Saturday, expressing his commitment to prison reform and offering his assistance to the administration. However, the specifics of his involvement remain unclear, and his lawyer has not yet commented on his plans. Santos also told CNN that he has no immediate plans to return to politics, stating, “I’m all politicked out.” The Bureau of Prisons declined to respond to media inquiries due to the ongoing government shutdown, and FCI Fairton, the New Jersey prison where Santos was held, has not addressed his allegations of poor conditions.
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UAE: Firecracker restrictions for Diwali; 10 things to know ahead of Indian festival
As the Indian community in the UAE prepares to celebrate Diwali, authorities have issued a stern reminder about the strict restrictions on firecracker use. With over four million Indian expatriates in the country, the festive season is marked by vibrant celebrations, including laser shows, elaborate mall displays, and community gatherings. However, the use of fireworks remains prohibited without proper licensing, and violators face severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines. The legal framework, established under Federal Decree Law No. 17 of 2019, classifies fireworks as explosives, requiring licenses for their possession, import, export, manufacture, or transport. Dubai Police and Dubai Municipality have intensified enforcement campaigns to confiscate illegal fireworks and ensure public safety. Residents are urged to report any suspicious activities through official channels. Authorities have also highlighted the dangers of fireworks, citing real-life accidents that have resulted in serious injuries. Parents are advised to educate children about the risks, as they can be held accountable for their children’s actions. Only licensed businesses are permitted to host fireworks displays, and they must obtain a No-Objection Certificate from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. The UAE’s strict measures aim to ensure that Diwali and other festive occasions are celebrated safely and responsibly.
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Israel launches attack on Gaza, say media reports
The Israeli military reportedly launched an attack on Gaza on Sunday, October 19, 2025, escalating tensions in the region. This development comes as Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas continue to exchange accusations over breaches of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement intended to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in the enclave. Israeli media outlets were the first to report the incident, though the military has yet to issue an official statement regarding the alleged strike. The attack underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and raises concerns about the potential for further violence in the already volatile region. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with many calling for restraint and a return to diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis.
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Ex-Kenyan leader Raila Odinga buried after days of memorial events
Kenya laid to rest its former Prime Minister and long-standing opposition leader, Raila Odinga, in a solemn ceremony held in Bondo, western Kenya, on Sunday. The burial marked the culmination of a series of memorial events that drew thousands of mourners, including prominent politicians, family members, and devoted supporters. Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 in an Indian hospital on Wednesday, was a towering figure in Kenyan politics, known for his unwavering commitment to democracy and justice. His son, Raila Odinga Jr., emotionally declared, ‘Now finally Baba is home,’ as the casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, was prepared for its final journey. The memorial service, held at a university in Bondo, was a poignant tribute to a man who, despite losing five presidential campaigns, remained a beloved figure in the region. Kenyan President William Ruto eulogized Odinga on Facebook, praising his ‘courage, vision, and unyielding faith in our collective destiny.’ Odinga was buried at his late father’s homestead, where a family mausoleum stands. The days leading up to the burial were marked by both reverence and turmoil. A public viewing in Kisumu on Saturday saw tens of thousands of mourners file past his open coffin, many lamenting, ‘we are orphans.’ However, the event turned chaotic, with police opening fire to disperse the crowd, resulting in at least three deaths and dozens injured. Similar incidents occurred during other memorial events, underscoring the deep emotional impact of Odinga’s passing. His legacy as a ‘true champion of democracy,’ as described by former US President Barack Obama, continues to resonate across Kenya and beyond.
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Bangladesh probes cause of massive international airport fire
Bangladesh has launched a comprehensive investigation into a devastating fire that ravaged the cargo complex of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the country’s primary aviation hub. The inferno, which broke out late Saturday, left the facility—housing fabrics, garment accessories, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other imports—in ruins. Firefighters, deploying 37 units, managed to control the blaze after hours of intense efforts, allowing flight operations to resume. However, the damage has sparked significant concerns over trade disruptions and financial losses, particularly for Bangladesh’s garment industry, which accounts for 80% of its exports. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has begun assessing the extent of the damage, with business groups estimating losses in the millions of dollars. The fire also injured four individuals, though their conditions are reported as minor. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire but are investigating potential arson, especially in light of recent major fires in Chittagong and Dhaka. The government has vowed a ‘swift and resolute response’ to any acts of sabotage, urging calm amidst growing public concern. This incident occurs against a backdrop of political instability following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, with elections scheduled for February 2026. The government emphasized unity and determination in addressing potential threats to the nation’s democracy.
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Israel bombs Rafah amid reported Hamas raid on Abu Shabab gang
Israeli fighter jets conducted airstrikes on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday, marking another reported breach of the ceasefire agreement. According to Israel’s Channel 12, the strikes aimed to protect members of the Yasser Abu Shabab militia, an Israeli-backed group accused of looting humanitarian aid and targeting Palestinian civilians during Israel’s prolonged conflict in Gaza. Palestinian media outlet Quds Network cited an unnamed source claiming that a Hamas-led security unit had targeted a hideout linked to Abu Shabab east of Rafah. Middle East Eye could not independently verify these reports. Yasser Abu Shabab, a convicted drug trafficker, has led an Israeli-armed militia in Gaza for over a year, operating under Israeli military protection in southern Rafah. An Israeli military official told Reuters that Hamas fighters had launched ‘multiple attacks’ against Israeli troops during the incident, labeling it a ‘blatant violation’ of the ceasefire. The attacks allegedly involved rocket-propelled grenades and sniper fire beyond the ‘Yellow Line,’ a demarcation within Gaza where Israeli forces are stationed. Hamas did not immediately comment on the incident, but Izzat al-Risheq, a member of the group’s Political Bureau, reiterated Hamas’s commitment to the ceasefire, accusing Israel of fabricating pretexts to justify its actions. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes were also reported in Jabalia, northern Gaza, with initial reports of casualties. Since the ceasefire began on October 11, Israeli forces have violated it approximately 50 times, including through artillery shelling, drone strikes, and tank fire, resulting in over 38 Palestinian deaths. Israel has also breached other ceasefire terms, such as restricting humanitarian aid and keeping the Rafah border crossing closed. Following the Rafah incident, Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich called for renewed military action, with Smotrich posting ‘War!’ on social media. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly assessing the situation to determine Israel’s next steps.
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Tropical storm Fengshen kills family of five as tree falls on house in Philippines
A devastating incident unfolded in the Philippines as Tropical Storm Fengshen wreaked havoc across the main island of Luzon, claiming the lives of a family of five. The tragedy occurred when a massive tree toppled onto their home at daybreak in a village near Pitogo, approximately 153 kilometers southeast of Manila. Among the victims were two children, aged two and eleven, who were crushed to death, according to police official Sonny Ombajino. The storm, which intensified with gusts reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour, hovered over Manila Bay on Sunday morning and was expected to impact provinces north of the capital. In response to the escalating threat, at least 47,000 residents from southeast Luzon have evacuated to government-designated shelters since Saturday. Local disaster officials have issued warnings of potential coastal flooding and landslides, urging residents to remain vigilant. The Philippines, a nation frequently battered by around 20 storms and typhoons annually, faces heightened risks due to widespread poverty and the increasing intensity of storms linked to climate change. This calamity follows a series of major earthquakes that have already claimed 87 lives over the past three weeks, compounding the country’s ongoing struggles with natural disasters.
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Dubai bans delivery riders on fast lanes from November 1
Starting November 1, 2025, delivery riders in Dubai will face new restrictions on their use of high-speed lanes, as announced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police. The regulations prohibit delivery motorcycles from using the two leftmost lanes on roads with five or more lanes and the leftmost lane on roads with three or four lanes. However, on roads with two lanes or fewer, riders are free to use any lane. These measures aim to address the rising number of traffic accidents involving delivery motorcycles, which have been attributed to reckless riding behavior.
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Gold shines this Diwali in UAE despite soaring prices; jewellers see strong sales
Despite skyrocketing gold prices, the UAE’s jewellery market has witnessed robust sales during the Diwali festival, driven by festive enthusiasm, strategic discounts, and innovative product offerings. Diwali, celebrated as the festival of light, symbolizes prosperity, family, and tradition, making it a prime season for gold purchases. Jewellers across the UAE have capitalized on this by launching exclusive collections and attractive offers tailored to the festive demand.
