A coalition of 25 U.S. states and the District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its decision to halt funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. The program, which supports over 40 million low-income Americans, faces a potential funding crisis as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) refuses to tap into a $6 billion emergency contingency fund. The USDA argues the reserve may be needed for emergencies like natural disasters, but the lawsuit contends this move is unlawful and would leave millions unable to afford groceries. This marks the first time in SNAP’s history that funds would not be distributed. The lawsuit, led by Democratic attorneys general, warns that cutting SNAP benefits would lead to food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition, particularly harming children. States involved include California, New York, and Illinois, among others. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the decision, calling it ‘cruel’ and accusing President Trump of lacking humanity. The USDA, in response, blamed Democrats for the funding shortfall, urging them to prioritize reopening the government. Even if the contingency fund is used, it would only cover 60% of one month’s benefits, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Some states, like Massachusetts, lack the resources to cover the shortfall, while others, including California, are deploying the National Guard to assist with food distribution. The ongoing federal government shutdown, now in its 28th day, has exacerbated the crisis, making it the second-longest in U.S. history.
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‘No complaints, I am happy’: Emraan Hashmi on his viral scene in ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’
Emraan Hashmi has expressed his delight over the viral response to a memorable scene in the Netflix series ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood,’ directed by Aryan Khan. The series has garnered significant attention for its portrayal of Bollywood, with one particular scene featuring actor Raghav Juyal, who plays a devoted fan of Hashmi, singing the actor’s popular song ‘Kaho Na Kaho’ and delivering a dialogue that lauds Hashmi’s dominance in the industry. The dialogue, ‘Akkha Bollywood ek taraf, Emraan Hashmi ek taraf (Whole Bollywood at one side, Emraan Hashmi on another),’ has resonated deeply with audiences. Hashmi, speaking at the trailer launch event of his upcoming film ‘Haq,’ shared his joy at being associated with this dialogue rather than his previous on-screen image. ‘We knew it would go viral, but not to this extent,’ he remarked. ‘Now, people remember that dialogue when they talk about me. So I have no complaints. I am happy.’ ‘Haq,’ directed by Suparn S Varma, is a courtroom drama based on the famous Mohd Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum case from the 1980s, with Hashmi and Yami Gautam in the lead roles. The film is set to release in November.
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Shanghai Metro expands paper single-journey tickets
The Shanghai Metro has taken a significant step forward in modernizing its ticketing system by expanding its pilot program for automated ticket vending machines that issue paper QR code single-journey tickets. This innovative approach replaces the traditional IC cards, which required passengers to return them upon exit, with paper tickets that feature QR codes. These tickets provide essential details such as fare amount, purchase date, and station information, offering a more convenient and efficient travel experience. The new system, initially introduced at People’s Square station two years ago, is now being gradually rolled out across various stations in the network. Station manager Cui Junjie at Oriental Sports Center station highlighted the system’s improved functionality, noting its sleek design and enhanced responsiveness in screen operation and cash handling. The machines accept both cash and online payments, catering to diverse passenger preferences. Since their trial launch on August 1, the machines have been issuing an average of 65 paper tickets daily. While some elderly passengers have faced initial challenges with the payment process, particularly when scanning QR codes, the overall feedback has been positive. Concerns about the environmental impact of non-recyclable paper tickets have been addressed by Shanghai Metro officials, who emphasize the system’s operational efficiency. The fare structure remains unchanged, with pricing based on travel distance, and tickets are valid only on the day of purchase for a single journey. Unlike traditional tickets, which had to be inserted and collected at exit gates, passengers can now keep these paper tickets as souvenirs, adding a personal touch to their travel experience.
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Vicenzaoro 2025 underscores storytelling’s role in the future of luxury jewellery
The Vicenzaoro 2025 trade fair, held in Italy, has firmly established storytelling as a cornerstone of the luxury jewellery industry’s evolution. This premier global event brought together top brands, designers, and strategists to explore how heritage, innovation, and responsibility are reshaping the sector. Discussions and panels emphasized a significant shift in focus, with cultural narratives, ethical sourcing, and technological advancements now standing alongside traditional craftsmanship and design as key drivers of the industry. Sessions like ‘The Quantum Age’ delved into jewellery’s expanding role at the intersection of identity, culture, and technology, highlighting the need for storytelling to adapt to diverse markets, including India and China. Zhanna Kirkland, a seasoned industry strategist, noted that storytelling has transitioned from a marketing tactic to a strategic necessity in today’s values-driven luxury landscape. She emphasized that consumers increasingly seek transparency and emotional connections, making authentic narratives essential for building trust and loyalty. The VO Vintage segment underscored the importance of provenance, linking jewellery to its historical and cultural legacy. Organizers also previewed upcoming sustainability initiatives and technology integrations that will shape future editions of the fair. Kirkland encapsulated the prevailing sentiment: ‘The future of jewellery lies not just in its design but in the authenticity of the stories it tells and the connections it fosters.’
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Pakistan PM, Saudi Crown Prince meet in Riyadh, discuss electrical interconnection project
In a significant diplomatic meeting held in Riyadh on Monday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud unveiled a comprehensive economic cooperation framework aimed at bolstering bilateral relations. The framework, rooted in shared economic interests, seeks to enhance trade, investment, and development ties between the two nations. Key sectors identified for collaboration include energy, industry, mining, information technology, tourism, agriculture, and food security. A joint statement highlighted the mutual commitment to fostering private sector involvement and increasing trade exchange in these priority areas. Among the initiatives under discussion is an electrical interconnection project, which is expected to be formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). Additionally, the two countries are exploring further cooperation in the energy sector. This framework builds on longstanding fraternal relations and aligns with the leaders’ shared vision of establishing a sustainable partnership. The meeting also set the stage for an upcoming session of the Saudi-Pakistani Supreme Coordination Council, underscoring the depth of their strategic alliance.
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Trump appeals against conviction in hush-money case
Former US President Donald Trump has launched an appeal to overturn his May 2024 criminal conviction in the high-profile hush-money case, asserting that presidential immunity shields him from prosecution. Trump was unanimously found guilty by a New York jury on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Despite the conviction, a New York judge granted him an unconditional discharge in December, citing his imminent return to the White House, meaning he faced no jail time or fines. Trump’s legal team has labeled the case as “the most politically charged prosecution in our nation’s history” and argued that it should never have reached the courtroom. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office, which prosecuted Trump, has yet to comment on the appeal. The case stems from allegations that Trump directed his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to pay $130,000 to adult film star Stormy Daniels to silence her claims of a past sexual encounter before the 2016 election. While the payment itself was not illegal, prosecutors claimed Trump fraudulently recorded reimbursements to Cohen as legal expenses to conceal the transaction’s true purpose. The trial coincided with Trump’s re-election campaign, with prosecutors arguing that the cover-up constituted election interference by withholding critical information from voters. Trump has consistently denied all charges. Following the conviction, the US Supreme Court ruled in June 2024 that presidents enjoy broad immunity from criminal prosecution for “official acts” during their tenure. Trump’s lawyers have since argued that this immunity should apply to the hush-money case and that certain evidence should have been excluded as it pertained to his first presidency. Justice Juan Merchan, who presided over the case, rejected this argument, but Trump’s team has long signaled their intent to appeal. The case will now proceed to the New York Appellate Division, First Department, which previously dismissed a $500 million civil fraud penalty against Trump in a separate case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. While the appellate judges upheld the fraud finding, they deemed the financial penalties unjustified.
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Pacific island delegation explores grassroots governance in Qingdao
A delegation of 20 representatives from Pacific island nations, including Tonga, Fiji, Micronesia, and Nauru, recently embarked on a study tour to Jimo district in Qingdao, Shandong province. The visit was part of a specialized training program focused on national governance and development planning. During their stay, the group engaged in field visits to local communities, observing innovative practices in grassroots governance and strategies for enhancing public services. The delegation also took the opportunity to experience traditional Chinese culture, further enriching their understanding of China’s societal and governance frameworks. Participants expressed that the visit provided valuable insights into China’s development approaches and opened new avenues for collaboration in governance capacity building and cultural exchanges.
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Israeli state-owned defence firm opens regional arm in UAE
In a landmark development following the normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2020, an Israeli state-owned defense company has established a subsidiary in the UAE. Controp Precision Technologies, a leading developer of electro-optical systems, will register its new entity in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), a prominent economic zone in the Emirati capital. The Israeli Ministry of Defense officially approved the move on Sunday, as reported by The Times of Israel. The Abu Dhabi-based subsidiary will serve as Controp’s regional hub in the Gulf, managing marketing, sales, and maintenance of its advanced surveillance and reconnaissance systems used across air, land, and sea operations. In the future, Controp aims to compete directly for defense tenders in the UAE and neighboring countries. This strategic expansion underscores the deepening economic and political ties between the two nations, which have seen bilateral trade reach $3.2 billion in 2024. However, relations have faced challenges following the Gaza war, with the UAE occasionally criticizing Israeli actions. Despite these tensions, the establishment of Controp’s subsidiary signals continued collaboration in the defense sector. The investment is estimated at $30 million, with the subsidiary managed by an Israeli citizen while retaining full control under the parent company.
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Delhi turns to cloud seeding to spur rain, curb pollution
In a groundbreaking move to tackle the escalating air pollution crisis, authorities in Delhi initiated cloud seeding operations on Tuesday. This innovative technique aims to induce artificial rainfall, which could potentially reduce pollution levels by up to 50%. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the initiative, emphasizing its urgency as the city grapples with hazardous air quality. Cloud seeding involves dispersing chemical particles into clouds to stimulate the formation of raindrops, a method previously used in other countries to address drought and improve air quality. However, this marks its first application in Delhi. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Kanpur is leading the project, with scientists predicting rainfall within 15 minutes to four hours post-seeding. If successful, the initiative could pave the way for a long-term strategy extending through February. Despite its potential, the effectiveness of cloud seeding remains debated, with studies yielding mixed results. Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) stood at 304 on Tuesday, classified as ‘very poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board. The city’s pollution woes are exacerbated during winter by factors such as construction dust, vehicle emissions, and crop residue burning. Scientist Manindra Agrawal of IIT-Kanpur cautioned that while artificial rain can temporarily alleviate pollution, repeated efforts are necessary to sustain improvements.
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Tanzanians head to polls amid human rights concerns and weakened opposition
Tanzanians are set to cast their votes on Wednesday in a pivotal election that sees incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan facing off against candidates from smaller opposition parties. The absence of her primary rivals, barred from participating, has cast a shadow over the electoral process. A victory for Hassan would prolong the dominance of her party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which has governed Tanzania since 1961. However, the election is marred by allegations of repression, with Amnesty International highlighting enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings as key concerns. These actions, allegedly perpetrated by security forces, have raised questions about the election’s legitimacy. Hassan’s main opponent, Tundu Lissu of the Chadema party, is currently detained on treason charges, while the ACT-Wazalendo party’s presidential candidate was also disqualified. Hassan, seeking her first full term after completing her predecessor’s tenure, has campaigned on a platform of economic expansion in agriculture and livestock, encapsulated in her ‘Four Rs’ vision: reconciliation, reforms, rebuilding, and resilience. Despite a record 37 million registered voters, analysts predict low turnout due to widespread apathy and the perception of a foregone conclusion. The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee has criticized the pre-election environment, warning that it undermines Tanzania’s democratic principles. Amnesty International analyst Roland Ebole noted that while Hassan initially showed promise with progressive measures, her administration has since reverted to repressive tactics. Simon Mkina, a Tanzanian newspaper founder, warned that the election could threaten the nation’s democratic foundations, potentially leading to international condemnation and domestic unrest. Chadema has called for protests on election day, signaling potential upheaval in the aftermath of the vote.