Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Ambition to ashes: Luthra brothers return to India to face justice over Goa fire

    Ambition to ashes: Luthra brothers return to India to face justice over Goa fire

    The once-promising entrepreneurial journey of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra has taken a devastating turn following the catastrophic fire at their Goa nightclub that claimed 25 lives on December 7th. The brothers, who were recently deported from Thailand to face justice in India, now stand at the center of one of India’s most scrutinized hospitality industry tragedies.

    Growing up in a modest northern Delhi neighborhood, the Luthra brothers displayed early entrepreneurial instincts that eventually transformed them into nightlife impresarios. Their father, paralyzed and bedridden, watched as his sons built a hospitality empire that began with a simple cafe in Hudson Lane in 2016. The success of their initial venture, which quickly became a student favorite, propelled them to establish Dramebaaz shortly afterward.

    Their breakthrough arrived with Romeo Lane, an upscale nightclub concept that masterfully blended Bollywood glamour with accessible luxury. The brand expanded rapidly across India, reaching cities like Noida, Meerut, Lucknow, and Dehradun, and even extending to Dubai in 2023. The Goa property, Birch by Romeo Lane, represented their most ambitious project yet—a sprawling tropical escape featuring open spaces, ponds, and premium amenities.

    Saurabh, the public face of the operation, cultivated an image of success through carefully curated social media presence. His Instagram account showcased ribbon-cutting ceremonies, celebrity encounters, and the trappings of entrepreneurial success that earned him recognition in Economic Times’ “40 under 40” list and a feature in Forbes India. Gaurav maintained a lower profile, focusing on financial management and day-to-day operations.

    However, their rapid expansion faced mounting regulatory challenges, particularly in Goa. The Birch property had been subject to multiple complaints regarding noise violations, environmental concerns about sewage discharge into the ecologically sensitive Baga River, and allegations of illegal construction. Just months before the fire, Goa’s Tourism Department had ordered demolition of parts of their Vagator property for encroaching on public beach land.

    The brothers’ immediate flight to Phuket hours after the tragedy sparked international manhunt efforts, with Interpol issuing notices against them. They maintain their innocence, claiming they never intended to evade justice and have been “erroneously portrayed” as villains in a broader tragedy. Legal documents reveal their defense strategy: they argue being “licensees, not operators” without direct control over safety regulations.

    As investigations continue, the Luthra brothers’ story serves as a cautionary tale about ambition, regulatory oversight, and the devastating consequences when safety protocols are potentially compromised in pursuit of expansion.

  • BBC visits flower-lined Bondi Pavilion after attack

    BBC visits flower-lined Bondi Pavilion after attack

    The Bondi Pavilion, an iconic community and cultural hub in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, has been transformed into a sprawling memorial site following Saturday’s devastating attack. Hundreds of local residents and visitors have created a spontaneous sea of floral tributes and flickering candles along the pavilion’s exterior, honoring the 15 victims who lost their lives in the Bondi Junction stabbing incident.

    This powerful display of communal grief has drawn international attention, with BBC News documenting the emotionally charged scene where well-wishers continue to arrive throughout the day. The makeshift memorial continues to grow as people place bouquets, handwritten notes, and personal mementos alongside the growing collection of tributes.

    Community leaders have noted that the floral tribute represents more than just mourning—it symbolizes Sydney’s resilience and collective determination to stand united against violence. The Bondi Pavilion, typically associated with beachside leisure and cultural events, has temporarily become sacred ground for reflection and solidarity.

    Local authorities have established designated areas for the memorial while ensuring public access to the site. Mental health support services have been made available nearby for those affected by the tragedy, with counselors noting the importance of such communal rituals in the healing process.

  • Photos: 20,000 Filipino expats gather to mark Simbang Gabi in Dubai

    Photos: 20,000 Filipino expats gather to mark Simbang Gabi in Dubai

    DUBAI – In a remarkable display of cultural preservation and community spirit, approximately 20,000 Filipino expatriates gathered in Dubai for the annual Simbang Gabi tradition on Monday evening. The massive congregation transformed the city’s central district into a vibrant celebration of Filipino heritage, showcasing one of the largest overseas gatherings for this cherished pre-dawn Christmas ritual.

    The event, meticulously organized by Filipino community groups in coordination with UAE authorities, featured traditional liturgical services followed by communal feasting. Participants adorned in traditional attire created a sea of color while traditional parols (star-shaped lanterns) illuminated the venue, symbolizing the guiding light of faith for overseas workers.

    Community leaders emphasized the significance of maintaining cultural traditions abroad, noting how Simbang Gabi serves as both spiritual nourishment and emotional anchor for Filipinos working thousands of miles from home. The celebration incorporated elements from both traditional Philippine practices and adaptations suitable for the UAE’s multicultural environment, creating a unique fusion that respects both Filipino heritage and local regulations.

    The successful organization of such a substantial gathering demonstrates the UAE’s evolving approach to cultural diversity and religious tolerance. Local authorities provided necessary permits and security arrangements, acknowledging the importance of cultural events for the substantial Filipino community that forms one of the largest expatriate groups in the Emirates.

    This year’s record attendance reflects the growing Filipino community in the UAE and their increasingly organized efforts to preserve cultural identity while contributing to the nation’s development. The event also featured charity initiatives supporting overseas workers in need, reinforcing the community’s commitment to mutual support and solidarity.

  • Dubai: Santa suit to Filipino delicacies; how 20,000 expats marked Simbang Gabi’s first day

    Dubai: Santa suit to Filipino delicacies; how 20,000 expats marked Simbang Gabi’s first day

    Dubai’s St. Mary’s Catholic Church witnessed an extraordinary display of cultural and religious devotion as over 20,000 expatriates gathered for the inaugural day of Simbang Gabi on Monday. This cherished Filipino Christmas tradition, dating back to the Spanish colonial period of the 1600s, has found a vibrant new home in the UAE since its introduction by the Filipino Catholic community in the early 2000s.

    The evening mass transformed the church grounds into a spectacular celebration of faith and community. Unlike its dawn observance in the Philippines, the UAE adaptation occurs in the evening to accommodate working schedules. The atmosphere buzzed with festive energy as generations of worshippers—from elderly community members to infants in strollers—gathered in the open-air setting. Many attendees arrived directly from their workplaces, while families and friends brought folding chairs and mats to create comfortable seating areas.

    The celebration featured traditional Christmas carols preceding each service, with volunteers like Dubai resident Mark Omayam adding to the merriment by distributing gifts to children while dressed in Santa Claus costumes. The authentic Filipino experience was completed with traditional delicacies including puto bumbong (steamed rice pastry) and bibingka (rice cake) available in the churchyard.

    Church worker Policarpio Tinaja described the event as embodying both spiritual significance and communal joy. The special outdoor altar, constructed annually for this purpose, accommodated the massive congregation that filled the football field, basketball court, girls’ compound, and church portico.

    This year’s celebrations carry the theme ‘Pasko sa Jubileo 2025’, aligning with the Catholic Church’s jubilee year. Monday’s mass was presided over by Filipino priest Fr. Leny Escalada with co-celebrant Fr. Rex Cutamora. The nine-day observance will continue through December 23, with Tuesday’s service featuring Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and titular bishop of Albano.

  • Qatari failure to pay contractors leaves migrant workers unpaid, says report

    Qatari failure to pay contractors leaves migrant workers unpaid, says report

    A groundbreaking report from Human Rights Watch reveals a systemic failure in Qatar’s contracting industry, where government entities and major corporations are routinely delaying payments to contractors, creating a devastating ripple effect that ultimately leaves migrant laborers without wages.

    The investigation, published Monday, exposes how high-level clients—including Qatari government bodies—enjoy virtual impunity when violating payment agreements, forcing subcontracting firms that directly employ migrant workers to absorb the financial burden. Michael Page of Human Rights Watch emphasized that “influential contractors and employers in Qatar should stop stiffing workers by failing to pay subcontractors what they owe.”

    HRW conducted extensive research between February-March 2024 and September 2025, interviewing 16 individuals previously employed by Qatari labor supply companies. The organization additionally examined contractual agreements and email correspondence from two subcontractors, uncovering a pattern of financial distress caused by clients withholding legally obligated payments.

    The documentation reveals that both subcontractors faced severe cash flow crises when clients delayed payments, rendering them unable to compensate their workers. Despite one subcontractor pursuing legal threats to demand payment, no funds were ultimately released.

    According to the report, these payment violations potentially constitute complicity in wage theft against migrant workers. A subcontracting company representative described the cascading effect: “Non-payment by clients has badly affected our cashflow. We couldn’t pay our suppliers and subcontractors, and we’re facing legal threats from them. The company has not been able to pay its own workers’ salaries either.”

    HRW specifically identified problematic “pay when paid” clauses in contracts as contributing to this crisis and urged Doha to extend wage liability beyond immediate employers. Under International Labour Organisation conventions ratified by Qatar—including the forced labor convention—both withholding and non-payment of wages may amount to forced labor.

    The rights organization called for Qatari authorities to hold major firms accountable for abuses committed throughout their supply chains. Page concluded that “Qatari authorities are failing twice over to protect migrant workers—first as clients themselves fail to pay contractors, and second as ineffective regulators,” noting that highly publicized systems like the Wage Protection System and Wage Support and Insurance Fund have proven insufficient to prevent widespread wage theft.

  • Rob Reiner’s son Nick taken into custody after suspected homicide of Hollywood director, wife

    Rob Reiner’s son Nick taken into custody after suspected homicide of Hollywood director, wife

    Los Angeles authorities are investigating the shocking deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele following a suspected homicide at their Brentwood residence. The couple was discovered deceased at approximately 3:40 PM Pacific Time on Sunday in what law enforcement officials have characterized as an apparent murder incident.

    Their son, Nick Reiner, has been taken into custody and is currently being held at Los Angeles County jail on a $4 million bond. While official charges remain unspecified, jail records indicate he is being detained on felony allegations connected to the case.

    The entertainment industry and political circles have expressed profound grief over the loss of the 78-year-old director and his 68-year-old wife. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an official statement recognizing Reiner’s significant cultural contributions and advocacy work, noting that his passing represents “a devastating loss for our city and our country.”

    Michele Reiner, an accomplished photographer, previously captured the distinctive portrait of former President Donald Trump that graced the cover of his influential book “Trump: The Art of the Deal.” Trump himself commented on the tragedy through social media, generating controversy with his characterization of the director’s political perspectives.

    Rob Reiner’s extraordinary career spanned both acting and directing realms. He initially gained prominence through his Emmy-winning portrayal of Mike “Meathead” Stivic in the groundbreaking 1970s television series “All in the Family.” His directorial achievements include culturally significant films such as the mockumentary classic “This Is Spinal Tap,” the coming-of-age masterpiece “Stand by Me,” the iconic romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally,” and the courtroom drama “A Few Good Men.”

    The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the precise circumstances surrounding this tragic incident that has stunned the entertainment community and beyond.

  • ‘Mate, get away from here, something bad’s happened’: How BBC reporter’s day at the beach turned to fear

    ‘Mate, get away from here, something bad’s happened’: How BBC reporter’s day at the beach turned to fear

    SYDNEY – In the aftermath of Sunday’s devastating attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney residents demonstrated extraordinary solidarity by forming lengthy queues at blood donation centers across the city. The response came as authorities confirmed multiple casualties from the shooting incident that disrupted a Jewish community celebration.

    The tragedy unfolded during ‘Chanukah by the Sea,’ an event marking the beginning of Hanukkah festivities. Witnesses described a peaceful gathering that turned to chaos when attackers opened fire from a footbridge overlooking the celebration. Barry, a father who escaped with his children, recounted the moment: ‘We dropped to the ground as gunshots rang out. I saw shooters on the bridge firing into the crowd – it was pandemonium and chaos.’

    Emergency services responded immediately, establishing security cordons and evacuating the area. Police later discovered a vehicle containing improvised explosive devices near the scene, heightening security concerns.

    The following day, Bondi Beach stood unusually quiet as residents processed the trauma. At the police perimeter, anxious crowds gathered seeking information about loved ones. One distressed woman told reporters, ‘My daughter’s at the surf club just over there, and I can’t contact her.’

    Community response quickly transformed into acts of healing and remembrance. An impromptu memorial emerged outside a local primary school, featuring floral tributes, Australian flags, and messages of unity. By evening, hundreds gathered at Bondi Pavilion for a moving candlelight vigil organized by Jewish community leaders.

    Rabbi Yossi Shuchat addressed the somber crowd with a message of resilience: ‘Darkness has no power where light arrives. We implore everyone to be that light in their surroundings.’ The ceremony featured traditional Jewish songs and culminated in a spontaneous rendition of Australia’s national anthem.

    Despite the tragedy, the community’s response highlighted Bondi’s strong social fabric. American residents who witnessed the attack noted the contrast between Australia’s reputation for safety and the shocking violence. ‘What appealed to us most about the Australian lifestyle is that sense of security and community,’ said Brooke Schlesinger, a local resident.

    However, concerns about potential backlash and rising tensions emerged within the multicultural community. Some Jewish residents expressed fears about increased vulnerability following recent antisemitic incidents across the country.

    As investigations continue, Sydney’s healthcare authorities have appealed for sustained blood donations, emphasizing that the need for medical resources will continue in the coming weeks.

  • What we know about Nick Reiner, son arrested in death of director Rob Reiner

    What we know about Nick Reiner, son arrested in death of director Rob Reiner

    In a shocking development that has rattled the entertainment industry, acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his producer wife Michele Singer Reiner were discovered deceased in their Brentwood residence on Sunday. Law enforcement authorities have confirmed their 32-year-old son Nick Reiner has been taken into custody and formally charged with murder in connection with the case.

    The grim discovery was made by the couple’s youngest daughter, Romy, within their exclusive Los Angeles neighborhood known for housing numerous celebrities and luxury properties. While official causes of death remain pending formal release, multiple sources indicate both victims sustained multiple stab wounds during the violent incident.

    Los Angeles Police Department records confirm Nick Reiner remains in custody without bail eligibility following his Sunday night apprehension. Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated their preliminary investigation revealed evidence suggesting the suspect’s responsibility in his parents’ deaths. The case file will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging decisions.

    The tragedy has sparked widespread speculation across social media platforms, including politically charged commentary from former President Donald Trump that has drawn bipartisan criticism. However, law enforcement officials have not disclosed any potential motives for the horrific crime.

    This devastating outcome follows the family’s publicly documented struggles with their son’s substance abuse issues. Ahead of their collaborative 2015 film ‘Being Charlie’—a semi-autobiographical project co-written by father and son depicting drug addiction and recovery—the Reiners openly discussed Nick’s lengthy battle with hard drugs and multiple rehabilitation attempts.

    In previous interviews, both parents expressed regret about sometimes prioritizing professional medical advice over their son’s personal experiences during treatment. Michele Reiner told the Los Angeles Times in 2015: ‘We were significantly influenced by these professionals who frequently characterized him as manipulative. Unfortunately, we believed them rather than our own child.’

    Despite these challenges, the filmmaking collaboration appeared to foster familial reconciliation. Rob Reiner noted their relationship had substantially improved during production, while Nick acknowledged appreciating the joint creative process while simultaneously desiring professional independence.

    Beyond his cinematic legacy including classics like ‘The Princess Bride’ and ‘When Harry Met Sally,’ Reiner actively advocated for early childhood development initiatives. In 1998, he helped establish California’s First Five program funding prenatal and early childhood support through cigarette tax revenues, expressing hope that early investment in children would reduce future societal problems including substance abuse.

    The entertainment industry and beyond mourns the loss of the influential director and his wife, whose professional contributions and personal struggles with parenthood resonated with many families facing similar challenges.

  • UAE weather tomorrow: Heavy rain, strong winds, temperatures to drop to 15ºC

    UAE weather tomorrow: Heavy rain, strong winds, temperatures to drop to 15ºC

    The United Arab Emirates is preparing for significant meteorological disruptions as the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts unstable weather conditions across the region. According to the latest advisory issued on December 15, 2025, residents should anticipate partly to fully cloudy skies with convective cloud formations expected to deliver heavy rainfall particularly affecting eastern and northern coastal areas.

    Temperature fluctuations will present a notable contrast, with daytime highs reaching up to 31°C in some regions while overnight lows are predicted to drop dramatically to 15°C in internal territories. Urban centers will experience milder conditions, with Abu Dhabi ranging between 19-29°C and Dubai between 22-30°C.

    Wind patterns will intensify throughout the period, with moderate to fresh southeasterly to northeasterly winds occasionally strengthening significantly. These gusts, reaching speeds of 45 km/h, are expected to stir substantial dust and sand particles, resulting in reduced horizontal visibility across affected areas.

    Maritime conditions mirror the atmospheric instability, with the Arabian Gulf forecast to experience moderate to rough seas while the Oman Sea faces moderate conditions that may periodically intensify. Humidity levels will vary considerably, ranging from 25-65% in Abu Dhabi and 30-55% in Dubai.

    The NCM has emphasized precautionary measures for the public during this period of meteorological volatility, advising residents to stay informed through official channels and exercise caution particularly during reduced visibility conditions and rainfall events.

  • Epstein’s UK flights had alleged British abuse victims on board – BBC investigation

    Epstein’s UK flights had alleged British abuse victims on board – BBC investigation

    A groundbreaking BBC investigation has uncovered nearly 90 UK airport arrivals and departures linked to Jeffrey Epstein—significantly more than previously documented—revealing systematic exploitation of British women and raising serious questions about border security failures. The comprehensive analysis of flight logs and court documents shows Epstein’s UK operations spanned from the early 1990s until 2018, with 15 flights occurring after his 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor.

    Three British women identified as alleged trafficking victims appear in Epstein’s flight records and related documents. Shockingly, despite one victim’s testimony being instrumental in convicting Epstein’s accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell in the 2021 U.S. trial, UK authorities have never contacted her. The woman, identified pseudonymously as ‘Kate’ during proceedings, was documented on over 10 Epstein-funded UK flights between 1999 and 2006.

    Legal representatives for hundreds of Epstein victims expressed astonishment at the absence of a comprehensive UK investigation. ‘The UK was one of the centrepieces of Epstein’s operations,’ stated U.S. attorney Sigrid McCawley, criticizing British authorities for failing to examine flight patterns, passenger manifests, and local contacts.

    The investigation reveals Epstein utilized a combination of private jets (over 50 flights primarily through Luton Airport), chartered aircraft, and commercial flights (mainly via Heathrow) to transport alleged victims. Critical security loopholes allowed private aircraft to bypass passenger disclosure requirements until April 2023, enabling unchecked movement of trafficking victims.

    Particularly alarming is Epstein’s continued UK access after his 2008 conviction. Documents indicate he flew Virgin Atlantic to London Heathrow in September 2010, merely two months after completing probation. Immigration experts note that U.S. citizens typically faced no visa requirements for short stays, leaving admission decisions to individual border officers’ discretion.

    The Metropolitan Police, when presented with the BBC’s findings, declined to reopen investigations, stating they had ‘not received any additional evidence that would support reopening the investigation.’ This response drew sharp criticism from victim advocates who argue the message undermines confidence in pursuing powerful perpetrators.

    Human trafficking expert Professor Bridgette Carr emphasized that such operations require extensive networks: ‘It’s never just one bad person. You have to consider the accountants, lawyers, bankers—all those who implicitly or explicitly enabled this to continue.’

    The findings emerge as the Jeffrey Epstein Transparency Act deadline approaches for releasing all U.S. government files on the financier, though many documents including these flight records have already entered the public domain through court proceedings and estate disclosures.