Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has strongly condemned Israel’s repeated violations of the 11-day-old Gaza ceasefire, accusing the nation of actions that render the Gaza Strip uninhabitable. In his annual address to the Shura Council on Tuesday, the Qatari ruler, a pivotal mediator in the ongoing truce, expressed deep concern over the deadly strikes on Hamas positions and the broader humanitarian crisis in the region. ‘We reiterate our condemnation of all Israeli violations and practices in Palestine, particularly the transformation of the Gaza Strip into an area unfit for human life and the continued breach of the ceasefire,’ Sheikh Tamim stated. His remarks underscore Qatar’s critical role in regional diplomacy and its commitment to addressing the escalating tensions in Gaza. The Emir’s address highlights the urgent need for international intervention to uphold the ceasefire and mitigate the humanitarian fallout in the embattled territory.
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UAE expat’s son dies by suicide after alleged humiliation by teacher in Kerala
A devastating incident in Kerala, India, has shocked the community as a 14-year-old boy, A.J., the son of a UAE expatriate, died by suicide following alleged humiliation by his teacher. The tragedy occurred on October 14, when A.J. was found hanging in his home, dressed in his school uniform. The incident has led to widespread protests, the suspension of two teachers, and an ongoing investigation by the state’s education minister.
A.J.’s suicide came just a day after he was disciplined for using offensive language in an Instagram group chat with classmates. The issue was brought to the school’s attention by a parent on October 13, and the boys involved were reprimanded. However, the matter was not escalated further as the students appeared to acknowledge their mistake.
On the following day, A.J.’s class teacher reportedly addressed the issue in front of the entire class, threatening to file a cybercrime case against him, which could result in a 1.5-year jail sentence. Witnesses claim that A.J. was deeply distressed by the teacher’s public shaming and was found dead later that day. His father, who works in the UAE, returned home for the funeral on October 15.
The incident sparked outrage among students and local student unions, who boycotted classes and staged protests demanding accountability. In response, the school suspended the class teacher and headmistress for 20 days. However, the school principal defended the teacher, stating that she had only warned A.J. about the potential consequences of his actions.
The state’s education minister has ordered a detailed probe into the incident, and a case of unnatural death has been registered. A.J.’s family has filed a separate complaint alleging mental harassment by the teacher, claiming that she had targeted him for months following a previous complaint by his father. Police are currently recording statements from students, staff, and the teacher involved. The school is expected to reopen soon, but the incident has left a lasting impact on the community, raising questions about the treatment of students and the pressures they face.
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Wegovy maker Novo Nordisk’s board slims down as directors quit
Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical giant behind the widely popular weight-loss drug Wegovy and diabetes treatment Ozempic, is undergoing a significant boardroom reshuffle. Seven board members, including Chairman Helge Lund and Vice Chair Henrik Poulsen, are set to depart following an extraordinary investor meeting in November. This move comes amidst a series of transformative changes for the Danish company, which recently appointed a new CEO in August and announced plans to lay off 9,000 employees in September. The company has also issued profit warnings due to heightened competition from U.S. rivals, leading to a revised profit growth forecast for the third time this year. The widespread adoption of Ozempic, often used off-label for weight loss, and Wegovy had previously propelled Novo Nordisk to become Europe’s most valuable company in summer 2024. However, recent competition from firms like Eli Lilly has eroded its valuation, with shares dipping 1.7% following news of the boardroom shake-up. The departures stem from disagreements between board members and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the company’s majority shareholder, which holds 28.1% of shares but controls three-quarters of voting rights. The Foundation, which successfully pushed for the removal of former CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen in May, is now nominating Lars Rebien Sorensen, its current chairman and former Novo Nordisk CEO, to replace Mr. Lund.
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Passengers jump from windows in fatal Ethiopia train crash
A tragic train accident in eastern Ethiopia has left 15 people dead and dozens injured, according to local officials. The incident occurred on Monday night in the town of Shinile, where a moving train derailed before colliding with a stationary train. Passengers were forced to leap from the carriages to escape the chaos, with many sustaining injuries in the process. Local media images revealed overturned and crushed carriages, painting a grim picture of the scene. District Commissioner Jibril Omar attributed the crash to the train’s poor condition, citing its age and inability to handle heavy loads. Overloading was also identified as a significant contributing factor. The train, which was transporting both passengers and cargo such as rice, pasta, and cooking oil, was en route from Dewele to Dire Dawa when the accident occurred. Mohammed Adem, a spokesperson for the Somali regional government, confirmed that all deceased and injured individuals had been recovered from the site. An investigation into the cause of the collision has been initiated. Train accidents are relatively uncommon in Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous nation. The Somali region, where the crash took place, is one of Ethiopia’s largest and is primarily inhabited by ethnic Somalis. The rescue mission has since been completed, according to regional authorities.
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Magnitude 4.6 earthquake jolts Pakistan at 170km depth
A moderate earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale shook Pakistan on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, as reported by India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The seismic event occurred at a depth of 170 kilometers at 10:59 AM local time (9:29 AM UAE time). This follows a series of tremors in the region, including a magnitude 4.7 quake on Monday and multiple moderate quakes over the weekend. The affected area, encompassing Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India, is one of the world’s most seismically active zones due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geological activity frequently results in earthquakes that are felt across borders. Pakistan, in particular, is highly vulnerable to seismic events, with regions like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan lying on the southern edge of the Eurasian plate, while Sindh and Punjab are situated on the northwestern edge of the Indian plate. These areas are prone to frequent and sometimes violent earthquakes, posing significant risks to the local population.
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Actor Asrani dies: From Sholay to Hera Pheri, his most memorable comic roles
The Indian film industry is in mourning following the passing of comedy icon Asrani, who died on October 20, 2025, at the age of 84. With a career spanning nearly six decades, Asrani, born Govardhan Asrani, left an indelible mark on Bollywood through his unparalleled comic timing and versatile acting. His legacy includes over 350 films, where he seamlessly transitioned between serious and comedic roles, earning him a special place in the hearts of audiences across generations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Asrani, describing him as a gifted entertainer who brought joy and laughter to countless lives. Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who shared the screen with Asrani in numerous films, expressed his grief on social media, recalling their recent collaboration and praising Asrani’s legendary comic timing. Kumar highlighted their work together in cult classics like ‘Hera Pheri,’ ‘Bhagam Bhag,’ and ‘De Dana Dan,’ among others.
Asrani’s career began in 1967, and he quickly became a household name with his memorable performances in films such as ‘Bawarchi’ (1972), where he played a music director, and ‘Sholay’ (1975), where his portrayal of an eccentric jail warden became iconic. His role in ‘Chupke Chupke’ (1975) further cemented his reputation as a master of comedy. In the 2000s, Asrani continued to shine in films like ‘Hera Pheri’ (2000) and ‘Malamaal Weekly’ (2006), where his comedic brilliance stood out amidst ensemble casts.
Asrani’s contributions to Indian cinema have left a lasting impact, and his absence will be deeply felt by fans and colleagues alike. His ability to bring laughter to the screen remains unmatched, ensuring his place as one of Bollywood’s greatest comedy legends.
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Ubuy rolls out ‘Ubuy Gift Cards’, expanding payment options for GCC shoppers
Kuwait-based e-commerce giant Ubuy has unveiled its first-ever range of gift cards, a strategic initiative aimed at diversifying payment options and enriching consumer experiences in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The Ubuy Gift Cards, available in denominations of $50, $100, and $150, provide a seamless shopping experience by covering not only product costs but also shipping fees and customs charges. This all-inclusive approach ensures transparency and eliminates unexpected expenses at checkout. Unlike traditional store credit systems, Ubuy’s gift cards boast lifetime validity, allowing recipients to redeem their balance at any time. The launch coincides with heightened competition in the GCC’s online retail sector, where both global and regional players are aggressively innovating to attract tech-savvy, cross-border shoppers. Ubuy’s move is seen as an effort to adapt global e-commerce trends to regional preferences, particularly in a culture where gifting holds significant importance. Dhari AlAbdulhadi, CTO and Founder of Ubuy, emphasized that the gift cards are designed to make gifting more meaningful by offering recipients access to a vast array of international products delivered directly to their doorstep. The cards are positioned as versatile tools for various occasions, from weddings and graduations to religious festivals and personal milestones. Recipients can easily redeem their cards via Ubuy’s platform and use the balance either fully or in combination with other payment methods. By integrating customs and shipping costs into the card’s value, Ubuy addresses a common pain point for GCC customers, ensuring a smoother and more predictable shopping experience.
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Ayni Gold announces upcoming retail access following strong OTC interest amid elevated gold prices
Ayni Gold, a blockchain-based initiative tied to operational gold processing in Peru, is set to launch limited retail access later this month, as revealed by the company’s Chief Technology Officer, Daniel C. Tschinkel. This retail phase will operate concurrently with existing over-the-counter (OTC) allocations, allowing participation starting from approximately $100, subject to jurisdictional restrictions and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. The announcement coincides with gold prices nearing record highs, driven by global demand for safe-haven assets and increasing interest in tokenized commodity exposure. Recent geopolitical tensions, persistent inflation, and central bank gold acquisitions have further fueled the metal’s momentum, sparking discussions on how blockchain technology can enhance traditional gold-linked financial instruments. Unlike conventional vault-backed tokens or those tied to unmined reserves, Ayni Gold tokenizes gold-mining capacity, directly linking blockchain participation to active processing throughput. Each AYNI token represents a fixed share of the project’s processing capacity, measured in cubic meters per hour (m³/h), ensuring transparency and verifiability. The initiative operates in collaboration with Minerales San Hilario, a licensed Peruvian mining company with a proven production history. To bolster transparency, Ayni has commissioned an independent scoping study and third-party audit, complemented by routine on-chain reporting of token issuance and production data. This dual-reporting approach enables participants to monitor operational progress through both blockchain and traditional methods. Ayni’s model emphasizes predictability, as tokens are tied to processing capacity, potentially enhancing returns with rising gold prices. Additionally, 15% of project revenue is allocated to buyback and burn mechanisms, though outcomes depend on operational and market conditions. Staking participants receive variable PAXG-denominated distributions via smart contracts, allowing them to earn rewards tied to global gold prices without exposure to AYNI’s market volatility. By using PAXG for rewards instead of issuing additional AYNI tokens, the model reduces volatility and provides a familiar reference point for participants accustomed to traditional commodities. However, staking remains optional, with rewards varying based on mining performance and operating costs.
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Warner Bros Discovery explores sale citing buyer interest
Warner Bros. Discovery, the media giant behind HBO, CNN, and other prominent networks, has announced it is evaluating a potential sale following unsolicited acquisition offers from multiple parties. CEO David Zaslav revealed that the company’s board is assessing its options to determine the best strategy to maximize the value of its assets. The announcement triggered an 8% surge in the company’s stock, fueling speculation of a bidding war. Among the interested parties is Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, son of Oracle founder Larry Ellison. The media industry has been undergoing rapid consolidation as it grapples with the rise of streaming services and the decline of traditional pay TV and advertising revenues. Warner Bros. Discovery itself emerged from the merger of Warner Media and Discovery just three years ago, but the company has since struggled with significant debt and financial losses. Earlier this year, Zaslav proposed splitting the company’s streaming operations from its traditional cable networks. Analysts note that the company’s extensive content library, featuring franchises like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Looney Tunes, makes it an attractive target for firms seeking to expand their streaming portfolios. However, the appeal of its cable networks remains uncertain. Board Chairman Samuel DiPiazza reiterated the company’s commitment to its strategic plan but acknowledged that all options, including a full or partial sale, are under review. The timeline for this review remains unspecified. Paramount Skydance’s interest, coming shortly after its own merger, has drawn particular attention, reflecting David Ellison’s ambitious vision. A potential sale could face regulatory scrutiny over competition and antitrust concerns, though analysts believe the Ellison family’s favorable relationship with former President Donald Trump could ease approval processes. Brent Penter of Raymond James noted that the Ellisons’ goodwill with the Trump administration, which previously approved their Paramount deal, could prove advantageous in this scenario.
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‘Heart of India-Israel alliance’: New York group releases report slamming Tata
The Tata Group, a prominent Indian conglomerate, has come under intense scrutiny for its extensive ties with the Israeli government and military, as highlighted in a detailed 59-page report titled *Architects of Occupation: The Tata Group, Indian Capital, and the India-Israel Alliance*. Published by the South Asian political organization Salam, the report accuses Tata of being deeply embedded in systems of occupation, surveillance, and dispossession in Palestine. The report’s release coincides with growing pressure on the New York Road Runners (NYRR) to sever ties with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the title sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon, over its alleged complicity in Israel’s actions in Gaza. Since 2024, activists in New York City have spearheaded the #TataByeBye campaign, accusing Tata of enabling Israel’s apartheid regime. The report alleges that Tata provides critical hardware, machinery, and digital infrastructure supporting Israel’s military operations. Tata’s involvement in Project Nimbus, a cloud-computing initiative with Amazon and Microsoft, has further fueled criticism, with activists claiming these partnerships contribute to surveillance and repression. The report also underscores Tata’s role in global defense networks, including joint ventures with American defense giants and collaborations with Israel Aerospace Industries. Tata Motors, through its subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover, supplies chassis for armored vehicles used by Israeli troops in the West Bank. Despite the controversy, Tata has not publicly responded to the allegations. The TCS New York City Marathon, scheduled for November 2, remains a focal point for activists aiming to disrupt Tata’s global image of corporate benevolence.