BLS International Services Ltd, a prominent global provider of government-to-citizen services, has been granted a three-year contract by India’s Ministry of External Affairs to establish and manage Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in China. The agreement, effective from October 14, 2025, will see the opening of new centers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, marking a significant step in India’s diplomatic and consular outreach in Asia. These centers will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, advanced digital processing systems, and multilingual staff to enhance the visa application experience for travelers. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International, expressed pride in securing the contract and emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering secure, efficient, and customer-focused services. The move comes amid strengthening people-to-people and trade ties between India, China, and the Gulf region, particularly in the post-pandemic era. BLS International, which has been operational in the UAE since 2011, manages visa and consular services for several embassies, including those of India, Spain, Italy, and Slovakia. Its extensive network of 23 centers in the UAE has positioned the company as a key player in India’s global consular service expansion. With operations in 70 countries and partnerships with 46 governments, BLS International processes millions of applications annually. The new contract not only extends the company’s reach from the Gulf to East Asia but also underscores India’s growing diplomatic and technological influence, supported by trusted service networks headquartered in Dubai.
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Crude oil at the crossroads: Brent risks $50 slide
The global oil market is teetering on the edge of a significant shift as Brent crude prices hover near $61 a barrel, with analysts warning of a potential collapse to $50 if demand softens further. The delicate balance between OPEC+ production increases and waning global consumption is under intense scrutiny, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in the energy landscape for 2026. Brent crude traded at $61.2 last week, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stood at $57.5, both benchmarks down nearly 15% year-to-date. Bank of America (BofA) remains optimistic, defending a $55 price floor, citing steady Asian demand and OPEC+ supply discipline. However, Citigroup predicts a deeper slide to $50, driven by fading economic momentum and geopolitical risk premiums. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports global oil supply surged by 760,000 barrels per day (bpd) in September, reaching 108 million bpd—the highest since 2019. OPEC forecasts global demand at 105.1 million bpd in 2025 and 106.5 million bpd in 2026, with annual growth of 1.4%. OPEC+ recently approved a modest output hike of 137,000 bpd for November, contributing to rising oversupply concerns. The IEA warns that global inventories could hit record highs by 2026 unless demand accelerates. BofA expects Brent to average $61 in Q4 2025 and rise to $64 in early 2026, citing structural support at $55. Citigroup, however, sees a sharper decline, fueled by easing geopolitical tensions and weaker Chinese data. Geopolitical factors, including U.S.-China trade tensions and India’s resistance to curbing Russian crude imports, add further volatility. Technically, Brent is caught between support at $55 and resistance at $63.50–$64. A weekly close below $55 could validate Citigroup’s bearish outlook, while a move above $64 would support BofA’s stabilization thesis. Analysts anticipate consolidation rather than collapse, but sentiment remains fragile, with the market vulnerable to macroeconomic shocks.
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IHC acquires majority stake in First Women Bank, strengthening UAE–Pakistan economic partnership
In a landmark move to strengthen economic ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan, Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company (IHC) has acquired a majority stake in Pakistan’s state-owned First Women Bank Limited (FWBL). The transaction, conducted under Pakistan’s Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions Act of 2022, marks the first privatization of a bank in Pakistan under a government-to-government (G2G) framework. The announcement was made in the presence of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of 2PointZero, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Established in 1989, FWBL operates 42 branches nationwide, offering retail, SME, and corporate banking services. IHC’s investment aims to modernize the bank by integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, enhancing its operational efficiency and expanding its footprint across Pakistan. The transformation strategy includes rebranding the bank to reflect its broader mandate of serving all societal segments and accelerating financial inclusion. Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, emphasized the company’s confidence in Pakistan’s financial potential and its commitment to fostering long-term economic growth. This acquisition follows IHC’s subsidiary, International Resources Holding (IRH), signing a joint venture with the Government of Balochistan in February 2025, further deepening UAE-Pakistan economic cooperation. Together, these initiatives underscore IHC’s vision of driving sustainable growth, technological transformation, and global economic connectivity.
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Taylor Swift donates $100,000 to 2-year-old girl suffering from brain cancer
In a touching act of generosity, global pop sensation Taylor Swift has donated $100,000 to support a two-year-old girl, Lilah, who is bravely fighting stage 4 brain cancer. The news of Swift’s significant contribution quickly spread across social media, garnering widespread admiration from fans and followers. Lilah’s mother, Katelynn Smoot, has been actively sharing her daughter’s journey on social media, raising awareness and funds for her treatment. In a heartfelt video titled ‘Stand with Lilah,’ the toddler referred to Swift as her ‘friend,’ highlighting her love for the singer’s music, which has been a source of joy during her challenging treatment. Swift, moved by Lilah’s story, made the donation on October 17, accompanied by a personal message: ‘Sending the biggest hug to my friend, Lilah! Love, Taylor.’ This act of kindness is not new for Swift, who has a history of supporting various causes. In 2024, she donated $250,000 to Operation Breakthrough, an education center in Kansas City, and surprised patients at a Florida children’s hospital with a visit. Additionally, she contributed $5 million to relief efforts for Hurricane Milton and Helene. Swift’s latest donation underscores her commitment to making a positive impact on individuals and communities in need.
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Fasset and Ajman Bank sign MoU to launch Shariah-compliant stablecoins and tokenised assets
In a groundbreaking move, Fasset, a prominent UAE-based digital asset platform, and Ajman Bank, a leading Islamic financial institution, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce Shariah-compliant stablecoins and tokenized assets across the UAE. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Islamic finance, combining the reliability of a regulated Islamic bank with cutting-edge blockchain technology. Under the agreement, Ajman Bank will leverage Fasset’s comprehensive white-label solution to offer embedded digital asset capabilities to both retail and institutional clients. These offerings include access to tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) such as S&P Shariah ETFs, gold-backed financing, staking and savings products, and a private institutional trading desk. Additionally, the partnership will integrate stablecoin payment infrastructure to enhance cross-border efficiency. Fasset will develop the core infrastructure, including wallet solutions, KYC/B integrations, custody services, and regulatory compliance tools, to ensure secure and compliant operations. Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, emphasized the partnership’s alignment with the institution’s values, stating that it enables customers to participate in the digital economy without compromising trust or principles. Mohammad Raafi Hossain, CEO and Co-Founder of Fasset, highlighted the collaboration’s focus on meaningful integration, embedding tokenized finance into everyday banking to make wealth creation more accessible and ethical. This partnership underscores the growing demand for compliant and inclusive digital financial products in the UAE and the broader Islamic world, paving the way for a new era in the global financial ecosystem.
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Sydney Sweeney brings boxer Christy Martin’s battles to the big screen
Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney takes on the challenging role of former professional boxer Christy Martin in the highly anticipated biopic *Christy*. Directed and co-written by David Michôd, the film delves into two decades of Martin’s life, capturing her rise from an accidental entrant into boxing to becoming one of the most celebrated female fighters of the 1990s. The movie, which premiered at the London Film Festival, also explores her tumultuous relationship with her coach-turned-husband Jim Martin, portrayed by Ben Foster, and the harrowing consequences of his control over her career and personal life. Martin, now 57, was the first woman to sign with boxing promoter Don King and competed from 1989 to 2012. Beyond her boxing achievements, the film highlights her advocacy work through her non-profit *Christy’s Champs*, which supports family abuse victims. Sweeney, known for her roles in *Euphoria* and *Anyone But You*, underwent a rigorous three-month transformation for the role, gaining 35 pounds and training intensively with boxing coaches, weight trainers, and nutritionists. She described the experience as physically demanding but empowering, even sustaining a concussion during filming. The movie, set for a global release on November 7, not only celebrates Martin’s boxing legacy but also addresses critical themes of domestic violence and sexual identity. ‘We set out to make a film that’s about many things, not just boxing,’ said co-writer Mirrah Foulkes. Michôd added, ‘I wanted to understand how coercive-control relationships function, because they are tragically common worldwide.’
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Open source and AI drive UAE’s digital sovereignty push
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is positioning itself as a regional leader in digital sovereignty, leveraging open-source technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to build secure, scalable, and locally governed digital infrastructure. This strategic shift was prominently showcased at GITEX Global 2025, where global open-source software provider SUSE played a pivotal role in highlighting the UAE’s ambitions. SUSE introduced its SUSE Rancher Prime platform, designed to enable organizations to manage AI workloads across hybrid and multi-cloud environments while adhering to national data regulations. The company also collaborated with industry giants such as Dell Technologies, Intel, Cisco, Pure Storage, and e& to demonstrate scalable AI adoption using open-source infrastructure. Ismail Ibrahim, SUSE’s Sales Director and General Manager for CEMEA, emphasized the importance of infrastructure that is ‘sovereign by design,’ ensuring transparency, security, and national control. The UAE’s focus on digital sovereignty aligns with its broader goal of becoming the Middle East’s AI hub. SUSE is actively working with local partners to develop reference architectures and best practices, facilitating the transition from pilot projects to full-scale deployments. Security remains a top priority, with SUSE offering tools to monitor performance, protect data, and defend against AI-driven cyber threats. As the UAE and Saudi Arabia emerge as priority markets, SUSE is aligning its open-source platforms with national digital agendas, underscoring the importance of open collaboration and trusted technology in building resilient, future-ready infrastructure.
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PTCL Group’s ‘Dil Se’ campaign wins gold for tackling water scarcity in Pakistan
PTCL Group’s ‘Dil Se’ campaign has been awarded the Gold Dragon Award at the Dragons of Asia awards in the Digital Campaigns category, recognizing its efforts to combat water scarcity in Pakistan. This accolade underscores the increasing importance of corporate-driven social impact initiatives in addressing critical issues like access to clean drinking water. In Pakistan, where water scarcity is a pressing concern, particularly in regions such as Thar and Southern Punjab, the ‘Dil Se’ campaign has been instrumental in providing sustainable water solutions to underserved communities. The campaign’s first phase, in collaboration with Shifa Foundation, involved the installation of water pumps in Thar, significantly improving the daily lives of nearly 15,000 residents. Many of these individuals, especially women and children, previously had to walk long distances to fetch water, which adversely affected their health, education, and livelihoods. Building on this success, PTCL Group has partnered with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) to launch Phase Two of the initiative. This phase aims to benefit approximately 200,000 people in water-stressed areas of Southern Punjab and Thar, making it one of the largest corporate-led clean water efforts in the country. Syed Atif Raza, Group Chief Commercial Officer at PTCL & Ufone 4G, expressed pride in the campaign’s impact, stating, ‘This platform represents our heartfelt commitment, just like its name, ‘Dil Se’. We’re proud of the difference it has made so far, but our journey doesn’t end here.’ The Dragons of Asia awards have been honoring marketing and CSR excellence across the Asia Pacific for over two decades. PTCL Group’s win not only marks a significant milestone for the company but also highlights Pakistan’s growing influence in regional social impact leadership.
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How Abu Dhabi drivers can reduce 8 black points, get licences reinstated
Abu Dhabi authorities have introduced a new initiative aimed at assisting drivers in reducing traffic black points and reinstating their driving licences. The programme, which runs from October 20 to November 20, 2025, offers motorists the opportunity to remove up to eight black points from their records, provided they have accumulated fewer than 24 points. Drivers who have exceeded this threshold can reinstate their licences by enrolling in educational courses after paying the requisite fees. The workshops and courses will be held at the Abu Dhabi Police platform located on the first floor of Mushrif Mall Centre, operating daily from 4 pm to 10 pm. Black points are penalties issued for serious traffic violations, with the number of points reflecting the severity of the offence. Accumulating 24 points within a year typically results in licence suspension. This initiative follows a similar programme launched earlier this year during the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX). The move underscores the authorities’ commitment to promoting road safety and encouraging responsible driving behaviour among motorists.
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Watch: Saudi awards pure gold racket to Jannik Sinner after beating Carlos Alcaraz
In a dazzling display of tennis prowess, Jannik Sinner, the world No. 2, triumphed at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. The 24-year-old Italian defeated world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory, securing his second consecutive title at the prestigious event. The match, which lasted just 73 minutes, not only showcased Sinner’s exceptional skill but also earned him a staggering $6 million, including $4.5 million in prize money and a $1.5 million participation fee. As a crowning glory, Sinner was awarded a full-size, solid gold racket valued at $250,000, symbolizing his excellence and remarkable achievements in the sport. The golden racket, crafted from pure gold, has become a hallmark of the Six Kings Slam, with Rafael Nadal receiving a similar accolade last year in recognition of his legendary career. Organized by Turki Al Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and adviser to the Royal Court, the three-day event featured six of the world’s top male tennis players and was streamed globally on Netflix. Although the results do not count toward ATP rankings or official head-to-head records, the tournament highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the sports world. In his post-match interview, Sinner expressed his joy and gratitude, stating, ‘I wish I could play like this everywhere. It’s a huge pleasure and honor to share the court with Carlos.’ He also praised the passion of the Saudi audience and the improved facilities, expressing his eagerness to return to Riyadh in the future. Sinner’s victory underscores his rising dominance in tennis and Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a key player in the global sports arena.