Turkish authorities have apprehended three individuals accused of espionage activities on behalf of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) intelligence service, according to a statement released by the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s office on Tuesday. The suspects allegedly utilized a Turkish mobile phone number to gather sensitive personal information on key public officials in Turkey, including executives in the defense sector and representatives of foreign nations. The prosecutor’s office revealed that the suspects obtained a mobile phone line from a Turkish GSM operator, which was subsequently transported to the UAE for use by intelligence operatives. During a coordinated operation, three suspects were arrested, while a fourth individual remains at large, prompting an international arrest warrant. This incident occurs against the backdrop of renewed tensions between Turkey and the UAE, particularly over their divergent stances on the Sudan conflict. While the UAE supports the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, Turkey has strengthened its ties with the Sudanese army. Despite these challenges, Turkish officials emphasize that their relationship with the UAE remains cordial, with both nations agreeing to compartmentalize disputes to avoid further escalation. This development follows a series of similar arrests in Turkey targeting individuals allegedly linked to foreign intelligence agencies, including those of Israel, Russia, and Iran.
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UAE President adviser welcomes US efforts to end Sudan war, condemns atrocities
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed strong support for the United States’ initiatives to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, while condemning the widespread atrocities committed by both the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, made this statement on Tuesday, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to peace in the region. US President Donald Trump, responding to a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has pledged to prioritize resolving the Sudanese crisis. Trump’s advisor for African and Arab Affairs, Massad Boulos, reiterated this commitment during a media briefing in Abu Dhabi, noting that the US has presented a robust peace proposal to both warring factions, though neither has yet accepted it. Earlier on Tuesday, the RSF announced a unilateral three-month humanitarian truce, citing international efforts led by President Trump. However, the RSF’s declaration was followed by renewed attacks on army territory, undermining the ceasefire. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 over disputes regarding the integration of the army and RSF, has resulted in tens of thousands of civilian deaths, widespread famine, and accusations of genocide against the RSF. The US, UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, collectively known as the Quad, have proposed a three-month truce followed by peace talks, but the situation remains volatile.
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UAE real estate booms as country emerges as a magnet for global wealthy
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position as a premier destination for the world’s affluent, with over 9,800 millionaires relocating to the country in 2025 alone, according to Henley & Partners. This migration is driven by the UAE’s investor-friendly policies, tax efficiency, and cutting-edge infrastructure, which have transformed Dubai into a global hub for luxury real estate. The city now rivals established markets like New York and London, attracting unprecedented demand for ultra-luxury properties. Amid this boom, Sunteck Realty Ltd, a leading Indian luxury developer, has announced its entry into the UAE market with the establishment of Sunteck International in Dubai. The company has unveiled an ambitious plan to invest Dh15 billion in UAE real estate projects over the next three years, signaling its long-term commitment to the region. Sunteck’s inaugural project, a prime land parcel in Downtown Dubai near the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, is set to redefine ultra-luxury living with contemporary design and branded residences in collaboration with global hospitality brands. Kamal Khetan, Chairman & Managing Director of Sunteck Realty Ltd, emphasized Dubai’s unique appeal, citing its unmatched growth potential and favorable pricing compared to other global cities. He highlighted the UAE’s attractiveness to high-net-worth individuals, noting that many are leaving Europe for the UAE. Khetan expressed confidence in Dubai’s real estate market, stating that it offers unparalleled volumes, pricing, and margins, making it the ideal location for Sunteck’s international debut.
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Ethiopia volcano: Is acid rain possible after latest eruption? Effects explained
The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia erupted on November 23, 2025, marking its first activity in nearly 12,000 years. The eruption released significant amounts of sulphur dioxide gas, which spread across parts of the Middle East on November 23 and 24. This event has raised concerns about the potential formation of acid rain in the region. UAE experts, including Shawkat Odeh from the International Astronomical Centre, have shared satellite images showing the dispersion of the gas. Ibrahim Al Jarwan from the Emirates Astronomical Society noted that the sulphur dioxide could react with atmospheric moisture, potentially leading to light acid rain in Oman and Yemen. However, Omani authorities have reported no immediate public health impacts or increased air pollutant concentrations. Acid rain, which includes precipitation with acidic components, forms when pollutants like sulphur dioxide or nitrogen oxides react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere. This phenomenon can harm ecosystems, aquatic life, and vegetation, and may also pose health risks to humans, such as respiratory issues and eye irritation. While the situation is being closely monitored, no significant acid rain effects have been observed so far.
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Irish school teacher Enoch Burke arrested and brought to prison
Enoch Burke, an Irish school teacher, has been arrested and taken to Mountjoy Prison following a High Court order issued last week. The court found him in contempt for his persistent defiance of judicial authority and the rule of law. Mr. Justice Cregan, during a hearing in Dublin, described Burke’s actions, along with those of his family, as a “deliberate, sustained, and concerted attack” on the civil courts’ authority. Burke had been attending Wilson’s Hospital School, from which he was previously dismissed for gross misconduct, since it reopened after the summer break. The dismissal stemmed from his refusal to address a transgender pupil using their preferred pronouns and his disruptive behavior during school events, including a religious service. This marks Burke’s fourth imprisonment for contempt since September 2022, with his total time behind bars exceeding 500 days. Gardaí executed the court order in Mullingar, County Westmeath, on Tuesday after receiving reports of Burke’s presence at the school. Earlier last week, officers visited his home in Castlebar, County Mayo, multiple times but left without him. Burke briefly returned to the school on Friday, recording a video outside the premises, and was spotted again on Tuesday, prompting the police response. His ongoing legal battles and defiance continue to draw significant attention in Ireland.
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Diljit Dosanjh brings the glam to International Emmys 2025, but misses out on Best Actor award
The 53rd International Emmy Awards 2025 witnessed a glamorous presence from Indian actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, who made his debut nomination at the prestigious event. Nominated for his compelling performance in Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Amar Singh Chamkila,’ Diljit graced the red carpet alongside the acclaimed filmmaker and other luminaries. Despite his striking appearance in a shimmery suit jacket, crisp white shirt, black bow, and signature turban, the coveted Best Actor award was claimed by Spanish actor Oriol Pla for ‘Yo, adicto [I, Addict’]. Additionally, ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ fell short in the Best TV Movie/Mini-Series category.
Diljit’s nomination marked a significant milestone for Indian cinema on the global stage, particularly for a film that celebrated the legacy of Punjab’s legendary folk singer Amar Singh Chamkila. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the Netflix-released movie (April 2024) features Parineeti Chopra and is lauded for its live-recorded folk music and emotionally charged narrative. The film recounts the life of Chamkila, often dubbed the ‘Elvis of Punjab,’ whose bold songs and electrifying performances in the 1980s were tragically cut short by his untimely death in 1988.
This year’s Emmys saw Diljit competing against notable actors like David Mitchell (‘Ludwig’) and Diego Vasquez (‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’). While the award eluded him, his presence underscored the growing recognition of Indian talent internationally. Notably, Netflix’s ‘Delhi Crime’ and comedian Vir Das had previously brought home Emmys in 2020 and 2021, respectively, highlighting the platform’s role in showcasing Indian stories globally.
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Trump’s Ukraine peace plan ignites diplomatic flurry but major hurdles lie ahead
The protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict, now nearing its fourth year, has witnessed numerous failed peace initiatives and high-level diplomatic summits. A recent U.S.-backed proposal has reignited diplomatic efforts, drawing mixed reactions from Kyiv, Moscow, and European capitals. The 28-point plan, heavily tilted toward Russia’s interests, calls for Ukraine to cede the Donbas region, limit its military to 600,000 personnel, and bar future NATO membership. These conditions have sparked alarm in Ukraine and its European allies, who swiftly countered with revised proposals emphasizing Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. Ukrainian and European leaders expressed cautious optimism about the talks’ momentum, though critical responses from Washington and Moscow remain pending. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the dispatch of envoy Steve Witkoff to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling progress toward a potential deal. However, leaked transcripts of discussions between Witkoff and Putin’s advisor, Yuri Ushakov, have raised concerns about the transparency and integrity of the negotiations. Meanwhile, the 35-nation Coalition of the Willing, including key European allies, convened to bolster Ukraine’s security post-ceasefire, though U.S. commitment remains uncertain. Amid war-weariness and mounting casualties, the fragile peace process faces significant challenges, with domestic issues plaguing both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Trump. Analysts warn that Russia’s perceived lack of urgency and Ukraine’s mounting pressure could complicate the path to a lasting resolution.
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UAE and Japanese financial institutions buy big stakes in Indian banks
In a significant shift in India’s financial landscape, global financial institutions from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Japan are making substantial investments in Indian banks, capitalizing on the government’s relaxed restrictions on foreign shareholdings. Emirates NBD, Dubai’s largest lender, is poised to acquire a 60% stake in RBL Bank, a private Indian bank, for $3 billion, marking the largest cross-border acquisition in India’s financial sector. Earlier, Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) purchased a 24.2% stake in Yes Bank for $1.7 billion, becoming its largest shareholder. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Japan’s largest lender by assets, is finalizing deals to invest $4 billion in Indian financial institutions, including a 20% stake in Shriram Finance, a major credit solutions provider. These developments align with Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s vision to create more ‘big banks.’ Foreign investments in India’s financial sector surged to $8 billion in 2025, up from $2.3 billion in the previous year. Concurrently, India and Israel are advancing a free trade agreement (FTA) to bolster economic and technological cooperation, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizing the strategic partnership. The UAE’s investments in India are also set to reach $100 billion across sectors, including a controversial mega-mall project in Kashmir. However, these moves have drawn criticism from activists, who accuse India of human rights violations in the region. The UAE’s financial networks have also been implicated in supporting militias in Sudan, raising ethical concerns. As global financial giants pivot towards India, the Reserve Bank of India’s easing of restrictions has further incentivized foreign investments in medium-sized banks.
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Scarlett Johansson set to lead next ‘Exorcist’ film, confirms director Mike Flanagan
Hollywood icon Scarlett Johansson is poised to lead the next installment of the legendary ‘Exorcist’ franchise, as confirmed by acclaimed director Mike Flanagan. Known for her versatility in both genre films and blockbuster hits, Johansson’s casting marks a pivotal moment for Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, the studio renowned for its horror productions. This move signals a renewed focus on revitalizing the iconic series, which has captivated audiences for decades. Flanagan expressed his enthusiasm, stating, ‘Scarlett is a brilliant actress whose performances always feel grounded and real. I couldn’t be happier to have her join this project.’ The upcoming film will introduce a fresh narrative within the ‘Exorcist’ universe, distinct from the 2023 release ‘The Exorcist: Believer,’ which underperformed at the box office. The original 1973 film, directed by William Friedkin and based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, remains a cultural landmark, earning 10 Oscar nominations and inspiring multiple sequels. Flanagan, who has long cited ‘The Exorcist’ as a key influence on his filmmaking career, aims to deliver a bold and terrifying new chapter. While plot specifics and additional cast members remain under wraps, anticipation is already building for this ambitious revival.
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Rebuilding to cost $70b: Gaza ‘survival’ at stake, UN warns
The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the dire situation in Gaza, emphasizing that the territory’s survival is at risk following years of conflict and destruction. According to a new report by the UN Trade and Development agency (UNCTAD), rebuilding Gaza will require over $70 billion and could span several decades. The report highlights an ‘unprecedented collapse’ of the Palestinian economy, driven by sustained military operations and severe restrictions on movement and trade. The UN describes the devastation as a ‘human-made abyss,’ with critical pillars of survival—food, shelter, and healthcare—severely compromised. The conflict, which began after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel in October 2023, has resulted in over 69,000 deaths in Gaza, according to UN-verified figures. The report underscores the cascading crises—economic, humanitarian, environmental, and social—that have pushed Gaza from de-development to ‘utter ruin.’ Even with optimistic projections of double-digit growth and substantial foreign aid, it could take decades for Gaza to return to pre-2023 welfare levels. UNCTAD calls for a comprehensive recovery plan, including coordinated international assistance, fiscal restoration, and measures to ease trade and investment constraints. The agency also advocates for a universal emergency basic income to address extreme impoverishment. Gaza’s economy contracted by 87% between 2023 and 2024, reducing its GDP per capita to $161, one of the lowest globally. The West Bank has also suffered significant economic decline due to violence, settlement expansion, and mobility restrictions, marking its worst economic downturn since UNCTAD began record-keeping in 1972.