Global Pulse

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  • Why wasn’t Himani Shivpuri a part of ‘DDLJ’s climax?

    Why wasn’t Himani Shivpuri a part of ‘DDLJ’s climax?

    Veteran Bollywood actress Himani Shivpuri, renowned for her iconic roles in Hindi cinema and television, recently opened up about her absence from the climactic scene of the legendary film *Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge* (DDLJ). Shivpuri, who played Kajol’s on-screen aunt in the movie, shared the poignant reason behind her non-participation in the finale.

    During the filming of *DDLJ*, Shivpuri faced a personal tragedy—the sudden demise of her husband. Recounting the events, she revealed, ‘My husband had passed away, and I was alone in a new city with no one to turn to. The *DDLJ* team was informed, and Farida ji (Farida Jalal) visited me. She must have conveyed the news to Mr. Chopra (Yash Chopra). I was in no state to remember the scheduled shooting for the climax in Panvel.’

    Shivpuri received a compassionate call from Yash Raj Productions, where Yash Chopra himself expressed understanding and excused her from the shoot. ‘Yash ji said, ‘We know you cannot come,’ she recalled. With her son still studying in Dehradun, Shivpuri prioritized her husband’s final rites over the film’s shooting schedule.

    The actress acknowledged that the team had to proceed without her due to the fixed dates of other cast members. ‘Everyone is in the climax… except me,’ she added. Despite this personal setback, Shivpuri returned to work soon after, driven by her responsibilities as a single mother.

    Reflecting on her career, Shivpuri expressed gratitude for the opportunities that followed. ‘God was kind. Films like *Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!* and *DDLJ* became massive hits, and I was already working on *Pardes*. Work kept coming, and I never had to seek it out,’ she shared. The actress even humorously noted that director David Dhawan once remarked, ‘Films don’t work if you are not in them.’

    Released in 1995, *DDLJ* remains one of Bollywood’s most celebrated films, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal, Anupam Kher, and Mandira Bedi, among others. Directed by Aditya Chopra, the movie continues to hold a special place in Indian cinema history.

  • South Africa deploys 3,500 extra police officers and braces for protests around the G20 summit

    South Africa deploys 3,500 extra police officers and braces for protests around the G20 summit

    South Africa is gearing up for the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) world leaders’ summit in Johannesburg, with heightened security measures and preparations for anticipated protests. On Wednesday, South African police and army units showcased their readiness with a parade featuring helicopters, K-9 dog units, and motorcycle officers. The government has deployed an additional 3,500 police officers and placed the army on standby under the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, a unified command for major event security. Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Lt. Gen. Tebello Mosikili emphasized that while the right to protest will be respected, it must be exercised within legal boundaries. Authorities have designated specific protest zones near the summit venue, an exhibition center adjacent to the country’s largest soccer stadium. Airports Company South Africa has also established ‘speakers’ corners’ at major airports to manage potential demonstrations. The two-day summit, starting Saturday, will host leaders and diplomats from over 40 countries and global institutions like the United Nations and the World Bank. However, the event has already sparked controversy. Protests are expected from various groups, including anti-capitalists, climate activists, women’s rights campaigners, and anti-migrant organizations. A trade union representing South Africa’s Afrikaner white minority has stirred tensions with billboards criticizing the country’s affirmative action laws, leading to a diplomatic rift with the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump’s boycott of the summit, citing alleged anti-white policies, has further complicated matters. Meanwhile, advocacy groups like Women for Change are planning a national shutdown to highlight South Africa’s high rates of violence against women. Anti-immigration groups and climate activists are also organizing protests, while an alternative summit addressing wealth inequality will run concurrently. In preparation for the G20, Johannesburg authorities have launched a major cleanup effort to address the city’s crumbling infrastructure. Despite these efforts, many residents remain skeptical about the summit’s benefits, viewing it as a costly endeavor with little impact on ordinary South Africans.

  • English youngsters turn to AI for advice, reveals survey

    English youngsters turn to AI for advice, reveals survey

    A recent survey has revealed that nearly 40% of young people in England are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for advice, support, or companionship, despite a widespread desire for more real-life connections. The YouGov poll, conducted as part of an annual report commissioned by youth charity OnSide, highlights the growing reliance on AI among the younger generation. According to the findings, 20% of respondents prefer AI interactions because they find it easier than talking to humans, while 10% admit they have no one else to confide in. The study, which surveyed approximately 5,000 individuals aged 11-18, marks the first time AI-related questions were included, reflecting the technology’s increasing influence. The report also underscores broader trends, such as 76% of young people spending most of their free time on screens, a figure that has remained consistent since 2023. Additionally, 48% spend their leisure time in their bedrooms, and 18% often spend it alone. Jamie Masraff, CEO of OnSide, noted that issues like loneliness, digital dependence, and isolation have become deeply ingrained in young people’s lives. Despite 49% of respondents stating that in-person interactions with friends make them feel most connected, only 14% actually spend their free time with friends in real life. Masraff emphasized the lack of physical spaces for young people to socialize, attributing their reliance on technology to this void.

  • Instagram owner Meta tells Australian teens accounts will close

    Instagram owner Meta tells Australian teens accounts will close

    In a bold move to protect younger users, Australia has introduced a pioneering social media ban targeting individuals under the age of 16. Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, has begun notifying users aged 13 to 15 that their accounts will be deactivated starting December 4, ahead of the nationwide enforcement on December 10. The ban extends to other major platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the initiative’s goal to ‘let kids be kids,’ despite opposition from tech companies. Meta, while complying, advocates for a law requiring parental consent for under-16s to access social media apps. The Australian internet regulator estimates that 150,000 Facebook users and 350,000 Instagram users fall within the affected age group. Meta has urged young users to update their contact details to receive notifications when they become eligible to reopen accounts. Users can download their content before deactivation. To challenge the restriction, teens can submit a ‘video selfie’ for facial age verification or provide government-issued identification. However, a report by the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS) noted that no single verification method is universally effective. Platforms failing to enforce the ban face fines of up to A$50 million. Roblox, a gaming platform, has preemptively restricted under-16s from chatting with adult strangers to avoid inclusion in the ban. The e-Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, highlighted the ban’s aim to shield teens from online risks. The list of impacted platforms includes Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, while Discord, WhatsApp, and YouTube Kids remain unaffected.

  • Tommy Fleetwood set for Hero Dubai Desert Classic return after career-defining season

    Tommy Fleetwood set for Hero Dubai Desert Classic return after career-defining season

    Tommy Fleetwood, the Dubai-based FedExCup Champion and DP World Ambassador, is set to make a triumphant return to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January 2026. This marks the opening event of the Rolex Series in the 2026 Race to Dubai, held at the Emirates Golf Club from January 22 to 25. Fleetwood, currently ranked World Number Four, will headline an elite field that includes defending champion Tyrrell Hatton and four-time tournament winner Rory McIlroy.

    Fleetwood’s 2025 season was nothing short of extraordinary. He clinched the FedExCup title with a dramatic victory at the Tour Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, and played a pivotal role in Europe’s historic Ryder Cup triumph under captain Luke Donald. As he prepares for his 15th consecutive appearance at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Fleetwood arrives with strong momentum following a tied third-place finish at the recent DP World India Championship.

    Reflecting on his achievements, Fleetwood expressed his enthusiasm for starting the season in Dubai. ‘It’s been an incredible year, winning the FedExCup and being part of that special Ryder Cup victory for Europe,’ he said. ‘I always enjoy starting my season in Dubai, and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic has become a tournament that I love. I’m looking forward to teeing it up close to home in front of friends and family once again and trying to get my hands on that famous Dallah Trophy.’

    Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director, highlighted Fleetwood’s significance to the event. ‘Tommy’s return is another exciting addition to what is shaping up to be an exceptional field for 2026. His incredible FedEx Cup triumph and continued excellence on both sides of the Atlantic, combined with his integral role in Europe’s Ryder Cup success, make him one of the game’s most compelling competitors,’ Corkill remarked.

    The 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, now in its 37th edition, continues to set benchmarks in sustainability and fan experience. GEO-certified for the third consecutive year, the tournament emphasizes eco-friendly transport options and wellness initiatives. Fans can enjoy seamless access via the Dubai Metro and streamlined taxi services, while Tournament Town offers a vibrant festival atmosphere with live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities.

    General admission is free on Thursday and Friday, with weekend tickets starting at AED 100 pre-event (AED 125 on the day). Children aged 17 and under attend free with a registered ticket and accompanying adult. Premium hospitality options, including The Social on Sixteen and The Dallah Lounge, provide elevated views, gourmet dining, and exclusive experiences for golf enthusiasts.

    As the Middle East’s longest-running professional golf tournament, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic remains a flagship Rolex Series event, celebrated for its world-class fields, commitment to sustainability, and unforgettable fan experiences.

  • Scot dies after surfing accident in Australia

    Scot dies after surfing accident in Australia

    The Aberdeen community is preparing to bid farewell to Calum McCombie, a 36-year-old local who tragically lost his life in a surfing accident off the coast of Frankston, Victoria, Australia. The incident occurred on October 22 during severe weather conditions, when McCombie’s surfboard snapped approximately 33 miles (54km) from Melbourne. Despite the swift response of rescue teams, who managed to retrieve both McCombie and his 43-year-old friend from the water, their lives could not be saved. McCombie’s funeral is set to take place on November 24, as announced by his family in a heartfelt social media tribute. ‘Calum will be sorely missed and be forever in our hearts,’ the statement read, reflecting the profound loss felt by those who knew him. The tragedy has left the Aberdeen community in mourning, as they remember a life cut short far from home.

  • DPP’s separatist stance, collusion with external forces root of cross-Strait tensions

    DPP’s separatist stance, collusion with external forces root of cross-Strait tensions

    The persistent separatist stance of Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and its collaboration with external forces have been identified as the primary catalysts for escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait. This assertion was made by Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, during a press briefing on Wednesday. Zhu criticized the DPP’s reckless actions, which she described as a deliberate push for ‘Taiwan independence,’ and condemned its attempts to undermine regional stability. She emphasized that any efforts to seek independence through external alliances are doomed to fail and will be met with decisive countermeasures. Zhu also addressed recent remarks by Lai Ching-te, who falsely accused the Chinese mainland of being a ‘troublemaker’ in the region. She warned that such rhetoric and actions betray the nation’s unity and will be remembered as a stain on history. The DPP’s provocations have drawn widespread criticism from international media and scholars, who have labeled the party as a ‘destroyer of peace’ in the Taiwan Strait.

  • New ‘mobile marine ranch’ vessel begins operation in Guangdong

    New ‘mobile marine ranch’ vessel begins operation in Guangdong

    A groundbreaking aquaculture vessel, named Zhanjiang Bay 1, commenced operations on November 19, 2025, in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province. This innovative vessel, hailed as the world’s first floating dynamically-positioned cage-type aquaculture platform, marks a significant leap in the development of China’s aquaculture industry. Owned by the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), the vessel integrates advanced technologies to optimize mariculture practices. Measuring 154 meters in length and 44 meters in width, Zhanjiang Bay 1 boasts an aquaculture water volume of 80,000 cubic meters and features 12 independent farming zones, enabling multi-species fish cultivation. With an annual production capacity ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 metric tons, the vessel is designed to operate in all waters, significantly expanding mariculture space. Its intelligent operation system and cost-effective integration design set new standards for the industry, positioning Guangdong as a leader in sustainable aquaculture innovation.

  • Israel kills 13 in strike on Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon

    Israel kills 13 in strike on Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon

    An Israeli air strike on the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The attack targeted an area near a mosque and a football pitch in the densely populated camp, located on the outskirts of Sidon. Local media reported dozens of injuries, with footage from the scene depicting a chaotic aftermath of civilian casualties and rescue efforts. The Israeli military claimed the strike was aimed at a Hamas “military compound” used for training, a claim vehemently denied by Hamas, which labeled it as “pure fabrication and lies.” The group emphasized that the targeted area was a public sports field frequented by camp residents. Ain al-Hilweh, home to nearly 80,000 people in a 1.5 sq km area, is Lebanon’s largest Palestinian refugee camp. The strike is part of a series of recent Israeli violations of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States and France in November 2024. The agreement, which aimed to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, included provisions for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the replacement of Hezbollah fighters with the Lebanese army. However, UN experts report that Israel has conducted approximately 500 air strikes since the ceasefire, resulting in over 108 deaths. Over the past two years, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have claimed more than 4,000 lives, further exacerbating regional tensions.

  • UK: Six Palestine Action activists stand trial over Elbit Systems attack

    UK: Six Palestine Action activists stand trial over Elbit Systems attack

    Six members of the activist group Palestine Action appeared in London’s Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday, facing charges related to a protest at a factory operated by Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems in August 2024. The defendants—Charlotte Head, 29, Samuel Corner, 23, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Rajwani, 21, Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31—are accused of aggravated burglary, criminal damage, and violent disorder. Corner faces an additional charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The court heard that the group, dressed in red jumpsuits and armed with sledgehammers, allegedly broke into the Filton-based facility near Bristol in the early hours of August 6. Prosecutors claimed they used a prison van to crash through the site’s fencing and caused significant damage to machinery inside the factory, including spraying red paint and smashing equipment. The activists were arrested on-site and have been held in custody beyond the UK’s standard pre-trial limit of 182 days. Justice Johnson emphasized to jurors that their personal views on Israel’s actions in Gaza should not influence the case, and the trial is expected to last 10 weeks.