作者: admin

  • Diane Keaton’s family reveals cause of death, expresses gratitude for ‘love and support’

    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.

  • Temporary ceasefire halts deadly Pakistan-Afghanistan fighting

    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.

  • Green MP raises case of Marwan Barghouti’s release from prison in UK parliament

    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.

  • Bangladesh prosecution demands death penalty for former PM Hasina

    Bangladesh prosecution demands death penalty for former PM Hasina

    In a dramatic legal development, Bangladeshi prosecutors have demanded the death penalty for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is accused of orchestrating a brutal crackdown during a student-led uprising in 2024. Hasina, currently a fugitive in India, has defied court orders to return and face trial. The prosecution alleges that she was the central figure behind the violence, which resulted in the deaths of up to 1,400 people between July and August 2024. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam argued that Hasina should face the harshest punishment, stating, ‘For 1,400 murders, she should be sentenced 1,400 times—but since that is not humanly possible, we demand at least one.’ The trial, which began on June 1, has heard extensive testimony implicating Hasina in ordering or failing to prevent mass killings. Prosecutors have filed five charges, including crimes against humanity, under Bangladeshi law. Hasina, who denies all allegations, is being tried in absentia alongside two former senior officials. Her ex-interior minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, is also a fugitive, while former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun is in custody and has pleaded guilty. The prosecution has presented evidence, including audio tapes allegedly featuring Hasina ordering security forces to ‘use lethal weapons’ against protesters. The trial is nearing its conclusion, with the interim government aiming to prepare the nation for elections in February. Hasina, already convicted of contempt of court in July, faces additional corruption charges, as do several of her relatives. Critics have long accused her government of rights abuses, including the murder of opposition activists and the suppression of press freedom.

  • UAE emerges as Arab world’s most improved higher education system

    UAE emerges as Arab world’s most improved higher education system

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position as the Arab world’s most improved higher education system, according to the recently released QS World University Rankings: Arab Region 2026. This year, 15 UAE universities were featured in the rankings, with nine institutions climbing the ladder, one maintaining its position, and four experiencing slight declines. Notably, the University of Fujairah made its debut in the 151–160 band, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s academic landscape. The UAE, alongside Saudi Arabia, continues to dominate the region’s higher education sector, with both countries boasting three universities in the top 10 and six in the top 20—double the number of any other nation. Khalifa University achieved its highest-ever ranking, securing third place, while United Arab Emirates University held steady at fifth. The American University of Sharjah rose to ninth, and the University of Sharjah entered the top 20 for the first time, ranking fourteenth. Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, QS Executive Director for AMESA, highlighted the UAE’s excellence in internationalisation, with institutions like Al Ain University and The British University in Dubai ranking among the region’s most international universities. QS data projects that international student enrollment in the UAE will surge to nearly 120,000 by 2030. The UAE also recorded the highest system-wide improvement rate among Arab nations at 33%, with significant gains in employer reputation, web impact, and international student ratios. Nine of the top 10 universities for international faculty and seven for international students are based in the UAE, underscoring its growing global appeal.

  • Police fire tear gas at crowds mourning former Kenyan prime minister

    Police fire tear gas at crowds mourning former Kenyan prime minister

    The remains of Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister, were repatriated to his homeland following his passing in India on Wednesday. Odinga, a prominent political figure, was met with an outpouring of grief as thousands of mourners assembled at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to pay their respects. The solemn procession accompanying his body to Kasarani Stadium, however, was marred by chaos when police resorted to firing tear gas to disperse the massive crowd and maintain order. The incident has sparked mixed reactions, with some criticizing the use of force during a period of national mourning, while others acknowledged the challenges of managing such large gatherings. Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics, as he was a key player in the country’s democratic evolution and a symbol of opposition leadership.

  • Prince Andrew accuser says he acted as if sex with her was ‘birthright’: Memoir

    Prince Andrew accuser says he acted as if sex with her was ‘birthright’: Memoir

    In a shocking revelation from her posthumous memoir, Virginia Giuffre, a central figure in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, has accused Britain’s Prince Andrew of behaving as if having sex with her was his “birthright.” The memoir, titled “Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice,” details Giuffre’s allegations of sexual encounters with Andrew, including when she was under 18. Giuffre, who passed away on April 25, rose to prominence after accusing Epstein of using her as a sex slave and alleging that Andrew had assaulted her. Despite Andrew’s repeated denials and a multimillion-dollar settlement to avoid trial, Giuffre’s memoir paints a damning picture of the prince’s alleged entitlement and misconduct. The book, set to be published by Knopf on October 21, includes extracts published by The Guardian, where Giuffre describes meeting Andrew in London in 2001. She recounts how Andrew correctly guessed her age, mentioning that his daughters were slightly younger. The memoir also details their visit to the Tramp nightclub and subsequent return to Ghislaine Maxwell’s London house, where Giuffre alleges the sexual encounter took place. Maxwell, Epstein’s associate, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for recruiting underage girls for Epstein. Giuffre’s memoir further alleges that Epstein paid her $15,000 for “servicing the man the tabloids called Randy Andy.” Andrew’s association with Epstein has severely damaged his reputation, making him a source of embarrassment to King Charles III. His popularity has plummeted, and he now makes increasingly rare public appearances. The memoir is expected to reignite public scrutiny of Andrew’s actions and his ties to the Epstein scandal.

  • Gen Z protests in Peru leave at least 1 dead, 100 injured, prompting investigation

    Gen Z protests in Peru leave at least 1 dead, 100 injured, prompting investigation

    LIMA (AP) — Peru’s capital was engulfed in chaos as protests led by Generation Z activists turned violent overnight, resulting in at least one civilian death and over 100 injuries, including 80 police officers and 10 journalists. Authorities have launched investigations into the death of Eduardo Ruíz, a 32-year-old hip-hop singer and protester, who was reportedly shot during the mass demonstration. The incident has sparked outrage and accusations of human rights violations, with prosecutors ordering the collection of ballistic evidence and the removal of Ruíz’s body from a Lima hospital. The protests, which began a month ago over demands for better pensions and wages, have since expanded to address broader grievances, including rampant crime, corruption, and widespread disillusionment with the government. The unrest intensified following the swearing-in of Peru’s seventh president in less than a decade on October 10, with demonstrators calling for the resignation of the new president and several lawmakers. Witnesses claim the shooter responsible for Ruíz’s death was fleeing accusations of being a plainclothes police officer infiltrating the protests. The demonstrations reflect a global wave of generational discontent, with similar protests erupting in Nepal, the Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya, and Morocco. In Lima, 27-year-old electrician David Tafur joined the protests after learning about them on TikTok, expressing frustration over corruption and government violence. The protests also targeted José Jerí, the newly appointed president of Congress, who faces criticism for his alleged involvement in a rape case and his legislative support for laws perceived to weaken anti-crime efforts. The unrest underscores decades of frustration among Peruvians, who have grown increasingly cynical about their leaders’ inability to address systemic issues. Sociologist Omar Coronel noted that the protests have evolved from pension demands to encompass broader concerns about insecurity, state erosion, and corruption. The violent scenes evoke memories of earlier protests under former President Dina Boluarte, which resulted in 50 deaths. Protesters carried signs condemning abuse of power and corruption, with one woman holding a poster that read, “From a murderess to a rapist, the same filth.” Tafur summarized the sentiment, stating, “For me, it’s about outrage over abuse of power, corruption, and killings.”

  • The Milan-Cortina Olympic Opening Ceremony will spread across regions, like the Games themselves

    The Milan-Cortina Olympic Opening Ceremony will spread across regions, like the Games themselves

    The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, scheduled from February 6 to 22, 2026, will mark a historic milestone with its uniquely dispersed Opening Ceremony. Organizers revealed on Thursday that the Parade of Nations will not only take place at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium, accommodating 60,000 spectators, but will also extend to three additional locations: Cortina, Predazzo, and Livigno. This unprecedented format ensures athletes from all disciplines, regardless of their competition venues, can participate in the ceremony. Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Milan-Cortina organizing committee, emphasized the Opening Ceremony as a unifying moment, stating, ‘It is the moment that defines that edition of the Games, in their spirit.’ The event will highlight the duality of urban and mountain settings, symbolizing harmony amid global tensions. Each nation will have two flagbearers, with Italy, as the host, featuring four. The Olympic flame will burn simultaneously in Milan’s Arco della Pace and Cortina’s Piazza Dibona. The ceremony will also pay tribute to the late fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who designed Italy’s Olympic uniforms for decades. San Siro Stadium, set for demolition and replacement, will host its first and only Olympic Ceremony, cementing its legacy as a city icon.

  • Oxford University invested in at least 49 firms linked to illegal Israeli activity

    Oxford University invested in at least 49 firms linked to illegal Israeli activity

    A recent investigation by Middle East Eye has uncovered that the University of Oxford holds indirect investments in at least 49 companies implicated in illegal Israeli activities within occupied Palestinian territories. These investments, valued at over £19 million ($25.5 million), represent a small fraction of Oxford’s £8 billion endowment but have sparked significant ethical concerns. Critics argue that these holdings contradict the university’s stated commitment to ethical investment practices and raise questions about the transparency of its broader financial portfolio. The investments are managed through a passive equity tracker fund developed in collaboration with BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager. While the fund excludes companies involved in fossil fuels and controversial weapons, it does not screen out firms listed on a UN database for complicity in human rights violations related to Israeli settlements. Notable companies in the fund include major Israeli banks, travel-sector giants like Expedia and Airbnb, and U.S. technology firm Motorola Solutions. The Oxford BDS Coalition, comprising students and staff, has condemned the university’s involvement, accusing it of profiting from human rights abuses and calling for immediate divestment. Despite repeated awareness of these issues, Oxford has yet to take decisive action, prompting calls for greater accountability and transparency in its investment practices. The revelations come amid growing international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, with other institutions, such as Norway’s sovereign wealth fund and the Dutch pension fund ABP, already divesting from companies linked to the occupation. The case highlights the broader ethical dilemmas faced by academic institutions in aligning their financial strategies with their missions and values.