Northern Japan is grappling with an alarming rise in bear attacks, which have claimed 13 lives since April, marking a record high. Reports of bears invading homes, wandering near schools, and causing chaos in supermarkets have become increasingly common, instilling fear among residents. In response, locals have resorted to measures like attaching bells to their bags to deter the animals, while authorities deploy troops and riot police to manage the crisis. The government has also authorized the use of rifles to shoot bears, which can weigh up to half a ton and outrun humans.
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Twinkle Khanna returns with ‘Mrs Funnybones’ sequel after a decade
Bollywood actress-turned-author Twinkle Khanna has announced the much-anticipated sequel to her bestselling book, ‘Mrs Funnybones’, a decade after its initial release in 2015. Titled ‘Mrs Funnybones Returns’, the new edition promises to delve deeper into themes of women’s lives, politics, humor, and societal observations. Khanna shared the first look of the book on Instagram, expressing gratitude for her fans’ unwavering support and curiosity about the sequel. The book’s tagline, ‘She’s older, wider, but is she any wiser?’, has already sparked intrigue among readers. Khanna, who transitioned from acting to writing in 2015, has since authored several acclaimed works, including ‘The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad’, ‘Pyjamas Are Forgiving’, and ‘Welcome to Paradise’. Her literary achievements were recognized with the Crossword Book Award 2024 in the Popular Fiction category. Currently, she co-hosts the talk show ‘Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle’ on Prime Video, further cementing her multifaceted career in entertainment and literature.
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Kazakhstan’s parliament passes law restricting LGBTQ+ content
Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament has passed a controversial bill aimed at prohibiting what authorities describe as the ‘propaganda’ of LGBTQ+ relations. The legislation, approved on Wednesday, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates, who argue it will further marginalize the country’s LGBTQ+ community. According to an official statement, the bill seeks to ‘protect children from content deemed harmful to their health and development.’ It explicitly bans the dissemination of information promoting non-traditional sexual orientations or pedophilia through public channels, media, telecommunications networks, and online platforms. Deputy Culture Minister Evgeny Kochetov clarified that any public endorsement of LGBTQ+ identities would be classified as ‘propaganda,’ including statements suggesting that being LGBTQ+ is preferable to being heterosexual. Content related to LGBTQ+ issues, such as books or films, that does not contain such messaging will be restricted to audiences aged 18 and above. Violators of the law face severe penalties, including hefty fines or imprisonment. The bill now awaits approval from the Senate and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who has emphasized the importance of upholding ‘traditional values’ in the predominantly Muslim nation. Critics, including Kazakhstani LGBTQ+ group Queer.KZ and international organizations like Human Rights Watch, have condemned the legislation, warning it violates fundamental human rights and exacerbates the vulnerability of LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite Kazakhstan’s decriminalization of homosexuality in 1998 and allowance for gender marker changes in 2003, the country lacks anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, who often face violence, threats, and systemic discrimination.
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‘Fatigued’ Bollywood actor Govinda discharged from hospital
Bollywood actor Govinda, renowned for his iconic roles and vibrant screen presence, has been discharged from CritiCare Asia Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai. The actor, who was admitted on November 12, revealed to the media that his hospitalization was due to extreme fatigue caused by intense physical exertion. Govinda, known for his dedication to fitness, shared that he had been engaging in rigorous exercises and yoga pranayama to enhance his physique. He assured fans that he is now recovering and has been following prescribed medications. This marks the second time in recent months that the actor has been hospitalized. Last October, Govinda sustained a bullet injury to his leg when his licensed revolver accidentally discharged while he was storing it in a cupboard. The incident occurred as he was preparing to travel to Kolkata. Despite these health challenges, Govinda remains optimistic about his career. Earlier this year, he announced his return to the screen with a new concept-based show titled ‘Lane Den-It’s All About Business.’ The show aims to explore entrepreneurship and trade, offering a fresh perspective on business. Govinda hinted at featuring prominent Bollywood personalities as guests, promising a blend of real-life stories, innovative ventures, and insightful discussions. The actor’s resilience and commitment to his craft continue to inspire his fans.
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Israel says key crossing to north Gaza opens for humanitarian aid
In a significant development, Israel announced the reopening of the Zikim crossing into northern Gaza on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. The crossing, a crucial access point for the war-torn region, will now remain open permanently, according to COGAT, the Israeli defense ministry body responsible for civilian affairs in Palestinian territories. This move mirrors the operational status of the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza, which has been the primary conduit for aid since the conflict escalated in October 2023. Humanitarian aid entering through Zikim will undergo standard Israeli security checks before being distributed by the United Nations. The reopening comes after the World Food Programme reported an inability to collect cargo in northern Gaza since the crossing’s closure on September 12. Despite this progress, aid workers highlight persistent challenges, including lengthy security checks, restrictions on certain items, and the logistical hurdles posed by widespread infrastructure destruction and the risk of looting. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) emphasized the critical importance of direct access to northern Gaza to ensure timely aid delivery. This development follows the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Initiative’s confirmation of famine conditions in northern Gaza in August 2024, a claim contested by COGAT.
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£220 ‘for a cut-up sock’ – Apple’s new iPhone Pocket ridiculed online
Apple has ignited a storm of online criticism following the unveiling of its latest accessory, the iPhone Pocket. Priced at £219.95, the product, described as a novel carrying case for iPhones, has been widely mocked for its resemblance to a piece of knitted footwear and its seemingly exorbitant cost. Social media users were quick to deride the accessory, with one X user quipping, ‘$230 for a cut-up sock.’ Renowned tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee labeled it a ‘litmus test’ for Apple enthusiasts who ‘buy or defend anything Apple releases.’ Apple defended the product, stating it was part of a limited-edition collaboration with Japanese fashion label Issey Miyake, inspired by ‘a piece of cloth’ and the concept of ‘creating an additional pocket.’ The accessory, available in multiple colors, features a short or long strap design. However, critics on social media questioned its practicality, highlighting the lack of security features like a zipper, especially given the prevalence of iPhone thefts. Some users humorously compared the product to the bright green mankini worn by Sasha Baron Cohen’s character Borat. Despite the backlash, supporters argued the price reflects the collaboration’s exclusivity and Apple’s historical ties to fashion. Social media analyst Matt Navara noted the pricing aligns with luxury fashion norms but suggested Apple might be ‘testing the limits of brand loyalty.’
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Mainland says reunification to bring better lives for Taiwan people
In a recent statement, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, emphasized the importance of resolving the Taiwan question and achieving national reunification for the betterment of Taiwan’s development and the well-being of its people. Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing, Chen highlighted that both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese and are fully capable of jointly discussing and deciding on internal affairs to ensure the destiny of the Chinese nation remains in the hands of its people. Chen firmly stated that ‘Taiwan independence’ is not a viable path and that confrontation offers no solution. He underscored that advancing cross-Strait relations toward complete reunification is essential for ensuring lasting peace and shared prosperity. The 1992 Consensus, which upholds the one-China principle, was reiterated as the political foundation for cross-Strait relations and a cornerstone for regional peace and stability. Chen noted that this consensus has facilitated talks, agreements, and broad consensus between the two sides, promoting economic and social well-being while maintaining stability. The mainland expressed its willingness to collaborate with all political parties, groups, and individuals in Taiwan who support the one-China principle and oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ to engage in extensive consultations on cross-Strait relations and Taiwan’s future. Chen called on political parties and people from all walks of life in Taiwan to recognize the historical trend, uphold the overall interest of the Chinese nation, and work together with the mainland to safeguard peace and stability in the Strait, paving the way for national rejuvenation and reunification.
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Iraqi voters turn out in numbers as region watches on
In a surprising development, Iraq’s parliamentary elections on Tuesday saw a significant voter turnout of over 55 percent, defying expectations and calls for a boycott by influential Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr. More than 12 million out of 21 million eligible voters participated, marking a sharp increase from the record low of 41 percent in 2021. This election, held at a critical juncture for Iraq and the broader Middle East, underscores the country’s fragile stability amid ongoing challenges of corruption, poor infrastructure, and regional proxy influences. Preliminary results are expected within 24 hours, with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani likely to secure a large bloc but fall short of a majority. Analysts view the high turnout as a positive sign for Iraq’s democracy, suggesting that Sadr’s influence may be waning. The election also highlighted the delicate balance Iraq must maintain between its allies, Iran and the United States, as the region undergoes significant geopolitical shifts. Despite voter optimism for change, many remain skeptical about the election’s ability to address systemic issues such as unemployment and mismanagement.
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Gaza families still without electricity despite ceasefire
Despite the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas last month, thousands of families in Gaza continue to live without electricity, facing dire living conditions. Hanan Al Joujou, a 31-year-old Palestinian mother, describes the daily struggle of feeding her three children in the dark, relying on a flashlight when possible. When the flashlight cannot be charged, the family goes without food or light, often sleeping without dinner. The Al Joujou family has been without electricity since the war began over two years ago, initially relying on candles after being displaced to Rafah in southern Gaza. However, even this became untenable due to fire hazards in their tent. Before the conflict, Gaza received 120 megawatts of electricity from Israel, supplemented by 60 megawatts from its lone power plant. However, after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel imposed a ‘total siege,’ cutting off all electricity when Gaza’s power station ran out of fuel. The Israeli military stated that civilian infrastructure, including electricity facilities, were not military targets but acknowledged that Hamas operated within civilian areas. Today, Gaza’s electrical grid is in ruins, with over 80% of its distribution networks destroyed. Initial estimates place infrastructure losses at $728 million. Some residents have turned to solar-powered charging points or private generators, but these are scarce and often targeted. Mohammed Al Hor, 32, lost his brother and charging business in an Israeli strike. Israeli Minister Eli Cohen stated in March that electricity sales to Gaza were halted as a punitive measure against Hamas. Even after the ceasefire, restoring power to Gaza would require a massive infrastructure rebuild. COGAT, the Israeli military body overseeing aid to Gaza, claims Israel is committed to facilitating humanitarian aid, including fuel for electricity, under the ceasefire agreement. In July 2024, Israel connected a power line to a U.N.-managed desalination plant in Khan Younis to provide drinking water. However, for families like the Al Joujous, the darkness persists, symbolizing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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Italy secures third place among the UAE’s top jewellery exporters
Italy has reaffirmed its status as a global leader in the jewellery and gemstone industry, securing its position as the third-largest exporter to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the first seven months of 2025, Italian jewellery exports to the UAE surged to €836.9 million, marking a 13.72% year-on-year increase and capturing a 7.9% market share. This growth underscores the sustained demand for Italian craftsmanship and the robust trade relationship between the two nations.