The 2025 WTA season concluded with a remarkable story of 18-year-old Russian tennis prodigy Mirra Andreeva, who ended the year ranked World No. 9. Her breakthrough season was highlighted by a stunning victory at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (DDFTC), a pivotal moment that catapulted her into the sport’s elite ranks. At just 17, Andreeva became the youngest player to win a WTA 1000 title since Nicole Vaidišová in 2007 and the youngest champion in the women’s tournament’s 25-year history. Her triumph in Dubai, where she defeated higher-ranked opponents including World No. 2 Iga Świątek, marked her as a rising star in the tennis world. The DDFTC has long been a prestigious platform for top talents, hosting legends like Martina Hingis, Venus Williams, and Justine Henin, as well as current stars like Aryna Sabalenka, Świątek, and Coco Gauff. The 2026 edition of the tournament, scheduled for February 15-21, promises to bring together the world’s best players, including Andreeva, who will defend her title. Fans can expect two weeks of world-class tennis action at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a hub for tennis excellence.
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Farhan Akhtar’s ‘120 Bahadur’ to release across 800 defence theatres in India
Farhan Akhtar’s highly anticipated war drama, ‘120 Bahadur,’ is set to make cinematic history as it becomes the first film to be released exclusively across 800 defence theatres in India. The film, which is based on the heroic Battle of Rezang La, will premiere on November 21, offering a unique cinematic experience to the nation’s armed forces and their families. Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar (Excel Entertainment), and Amit Chandra (Trigger Happy Studios), the movie features an ensemble cast including Raashii Khanna, Sparsh Walia, Vivan Bhatena, and Dhanveer Singh. Akhtar portrays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, a valiant leader of the 13 Kumaon Regiment, whose unwavering courage and determination are central to the narrative. The film’s trailer captures pivotal moments, including a powerful dialogue where Akhtar’s character declares, ‘Main ladey bina haar nahi manna chahta’ (I don’t want to accept defeat without fighting). The initiative, spearheaded by PictureTime in collaboration with GenSync Brat Media, aims to bridge the gap between the entertainment industry and India’s defence community. Sushil Chaudhary, founder and CEO of PictureTime, emphasized the significance of this move, stating that it seeks to expand access to cinematic experiences for the underserved 70% of India’s 20-million-strong veteran and family audience. This groundbreaking release underscores the film’s resonance with the armed forces and its potential to inspire audiences nationwide.
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France investigating Vinted over alleged links to pornographic content
French authorities have launched an investigation into the second-hand clothing platform Vinted following allegations that some user accounts were redirecting visitors to pornographic content. The issue was first reported by French media, prompting France’s Children’s Rights Commissioner, Sarah El-Haïry, to request an examination by the regulatory watchdog Arcom. Vinted, which boasts 23 million users in France, lacks an age-verification process, potentially exposing minors to explicit material. The Lithuania-based company has stated it enforces a ‘zero-tolerance policy’ against unsolicited sexual communications or the promotion of sexual services, and it removes inappropriate content while blocking offending users. The controversy emerged after sellers of swimwear or lingerie were found to be directing buyers to adult platforms like OnlyFans. El-Haïry condemned the misuse of ordinary clothing sales to funnel users to pornographic sites. This case is part of a broader crackdown on e-commerce platforms in France, including Shein, AliExpress, Temu, and Wish, which are under scrutiny for allegedly allowing the sale of illicit or harmful content accessible to minors. Shein has already banned the sale of sex dolls globally and blocked associated seller accounts. The French consumer watchdog has described some of these products as having a ‘child-pornography nature.’
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When is the Epstein files vote – and what happens next?
In a surprising shift, former US President Donald Trump has called on Congressional Republicans to support the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. This reversal comes after Trump initially opposed making the files public, fearing potential political fallout. The House of Representatives is set to vote on a measure that would require the Justice Department to release all Epstein-related documents within 30 days in a searchable and downloadable format. While the measure is expected to pass the House, its fate in the Republican-controlled Senate remains uncertain. Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces significant pressure from both political parties, with some Republicans expressing support for transparency. However, concerns persist about the potential release of sensitive personal information and its impact on ongoing investigations. The debate has sparked intense political divisions, with some Republicans accusing Democrats of using the issue to undermine Trump. The proposed bill allows the Attorney General to redact information that could invade personal privacy or jeopardize active investigations. Legal experts warn that partial disclosure could lead to public outrage and legal challenges. Advocates for full transparency, including Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, argue that the public deserves access to the truth. The outcome of this legislative effort could have far-reaching implications for accountability and transparency in US politics.
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Saudi prince, eyeing defence pledge, to meet Trump after long US absence
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington this week, marking his first visit to the US since 2018. The three-day trip, which began on Monday, will focus on strengthening bilateral ties, with the prince prioritizing enhanced US security guarantees for Saudi Arabia. This comes in the wake of recent Israeli strikes on Qatar, a key US ally, which have heightened regional tensions. While Trump is expected to push for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel, Riyadh remains reluctant, citing its longstanding condition for the establishment of a Palestinian state as a prerequisite for such a move. The visit also includes a US-Saudi investment forum, highlighting collaboration in energy and artificial intelligence. Additionally, the crown prince is reportedly seeking advanced defense systems, including F-35 fighter jets, and access to high-tech chips to support Saudi Arabia’s AI ambitions. The meeting underscores the complex dynamics of US-Saudi relations, with both nations navigating regional security challenges and economic diversification efforts.
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Watch: BTS member J-hope touches down in Dubai, sends UAE fans into frenzy
BTS member J-hope, whose real name is Jung Hoseok, has arrived in Dubai, sending fans into a frenzy. The K-pop superstar landed in the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, and shared a photo from his Emirates flight on his Instagram Story. Known for his active social media presence, J-hope frequently updates fans on his activities, making this trip no exception. While the purpose of his visit remains unclear, fans speculate he might be attending Dubai Watch Week, which begins on November 19. The event, held at Dubai Mall, features a special exhibition by Audemars Piguet, celebrating its 150th anniversary. Additionally, the presence of J-hope’s dance team members in Dubai has fueled rumors of a potential performance, though no official confirmation has been made. The Dream Concert UAE, scheduled for November 22 in Abu Dhabi, features several K-pop acts but does not list any BTS members. Fans are eagerly anticipating any surprises J-hope might have in store, making this one of the most talked-about topics in the K-pop community.
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South Africa to refuse charter flights of Palestinians over fears of ‘cleansing agenda’
South Africa has expressed deep suspicions regarding the recent arrival of a group of Palestinians, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding their journey. The controversy stems from a chartered flight that landed at OR Tambo International Airport last Thursday, carrying 153 passengers from Gaza. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola described the flight as part of a ‘clear agenda to cleanse Palestinians out of Gaza and the West Bank,’ though Israeli authorities have yet to respond to these allegations. The Palestinian embassy in South Africa claimed the group departed from Israel’s Ramon Airport, transiting through Nairobi, Kenya, without prior coordination, and accused an ‘unregistered and misleading organization’ of exploiting the situation by deceiving families and facilitating irregular travel. Initially, the passengers were denied entry due to missing departure stamps in their passports, but after a 10-hour delay and intervention by a local charity, 130 were allowed to disembark. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa cited ’empathy and compassion’ as the reason for their eventual admission. Lamola suggested the flight was part of a broader effort to relocate Palestinians globally, with similar flights reportedly sent to other countries. This incident follows another flight two weeks earlier, which brought 176 Palestinians to Johannesburg, some of whom continued to other destinations. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously discussed ‘voluntarily’ resettling Palestinians from Gaza, a move criticized by Palestinians and human rights groups. South Africa, a long-time supporter of the Palestinian cause, has been vocal in its criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, even filing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The country’s historical solidarity with Palestine, rooted in its anti-apartheid struggle, has fueled widespread pro-Palestinian sentiment, though smaller pro-Israel demonstrations have also occurred. The situation remains under investigation, with South Africa continuing to scrutinize the motives behind these arrivals.
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Look: UAE-based Indian artist recreates Emirati heritage, past with paper installations
Masarratfatima Sulaimani, a Sharjah-based Indian artist and former graphic designer, has captivated audiences with her intricate paper installations that celebrate Emirati heritage and architecture. Her latest work, ‘Rooted Memories: A Journey Through Paper,’ is a month-long exhibition at Hotel Indigo, Dubai Downtown, showcasing her handmade paper recreations of Dubai’s Al Fahidi neighbourhood, complete with traditional wind towers and paper figurines of Emiratis and tourists. Sulaimani’s art, which explores themes of memory, migration, and journey, is crafted from recycled materials, including food waste collected at the hotel, reflecting her commitment to sustainability. Her innovative techniques—cutting, folding, and layering—breathe life into paper, transforming it into immersive, large-scale installations. Sulaimani’s work has been featured at prestigious venues such as the Shanghai International Biennale, the Al Murabbaa Arts Festival, and the Sikka Art Festival. Her art not only captures the essence of Emirati culture but also reflects her personal journey as an Indian expatriate finding belonging in the UAE. Through her creations, she explores the cycles of life, the resilience of paper, and the universal themes of homecoming and acceptance.
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Sinner hails ‘amazing’ ATP Finals triumph over Alcaraz
Jannik Sinner capped off a remarkable season with a thrilling victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the ATP Finals in Turin, securing a straight-sets win of 7-6 (7/4), 7-5. The Italian tennis star, who earlier this year became the first Italian man to win Wimbledon, was cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd as he retained his ATP Finals title. This triumph marked the culmination of a year filled with highs and lows, including a three-month ban due to accidental contamination with a banned substance, which Sinner overcame to reclaim his place at the top of the sport. Reflecting on his season, Sinner expressed pride in his growth as a player, stating, ‘I feel to be a better player than last year… It’s all part of the process.’ The match against Alcaraz was a tightly contested battle, with the Spaniard lamenting missed opportunities, particularly with his backhand volleys. Sinner’s victory not only solidified his status as one of the world’s best but also served as a powerful emotional moment, bringing a challenging yet rewarding season to a close.
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Israel deports Gaza patients from Jerusalem hospitals back to war-torn strip
Israeli authorities have reportedly expelled dozens of Palestinian patients from hospitals in Jerusalem, sending them back to the Gaza Strip on Monday. These patients, along with their families, had initially traveled to Jerusalem for medical treatment before the outbreak of the October 2023 conflict and had remained in the city since. While some had completed their treatment and expressed a desire to return home, concerns have been raised that others were forcibly deported. According to local media, two buses carrying patients and their families arrived at the Kerem Abu Salem crossing between Gaza and Israel on Monday morning. At least 89 individuals, including children born in Jerusalem, were set to be deported. Unnamed sources cited by Arab48 expressed serious concerns about the safety and conditions of the transfer, particularly given the dire state of Gaza’s healthcare system. Many of the patients fear returning to Gaza, where the health infrastructure has been devastated by Israel’s ongoing military campaign. Since the war began, over 94 percent of medical facilities in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, leaving only a handful of health centers partially operational. Hospitals have been bombed, raided, and stripped of essential supplies, while thousands of medical workers have been killed or detained. The relentless bombardment has overwhelmed the remaining healthcare services, resulting in the deaths of over 9,300 wounded and sick Palestinians since October 2023 due to the collapse of medical care and Israel’s ban on medical evacuations. With the Rafah crossing sealed since Israel’s invasion in May 2024, approximately 20,000 injured and ill individuals are now stranded, awaiting an opportunity to seek treatment abroad.