Jimmy Cliff, the iconic reggae musician who brought Jamaican music to the global stage, has died at the age of 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his passing on Instagram, citing complications from a seizure and pneumonia. Cliff’s career spanned over six decades, marked by timeless hits such as ‘Wonderful World, Beautiful People,’ ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want,’ and ‘Many Rivers To Cross.’ His groundbreaking role in the 1972 film ‘The Harder They Come’ not only cemented his status as a cultural icon but also introduced reggae to American audiences. Born James Chambers in 1944 in St. James, Jamaica, Cliff rose from humble beginnings to become a global ambassador for Jamaican music. His 1969 single ‘Vietnam,’ hailed by Bob Dylan as the ‘best protest song ever written,’ showcased his ability to blend music with social commentary. Cliff’s influence extended beyond music; he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 and received Jamaica’s Order of Merit in 2003. Despite his numerous accolades, Cliff cherished the personal impact his music had on fans, often recounting stories of how his songs inspired individuals to overcome adversity. His legacy continues to resonate with generations of music lovers worldwide.
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Jimmy Cliff, reggae giant and star of landmark film ‘The Harder They Come,’ dead at 81
Jimmy Cliff, the iconic reggae musician and actor whose soulful voice and powerful lyrics defined a generation, has died at the age of 81. His family announced his passing on Monday via his social media platforms, attributing his death to a seizure followed by pneumonia. The statement expressed gratitude to his global fanbase, emphasizing that their unwavering support had been a source of strength throughout his illustrious career. Born James Chambers in Saint James, Jamaica, Cliff rose to prominence in the 1960s as a key figure in the reggae movement, alongside legends like Bob Marley, Toots Hibbert, and Peter Tosh. His breakthrough came with the 1972 film *The Harder They Come*, in which he starred as Ivanhoe ‘Ivan’ Martin, a struggling musician turned anti-hero. The film, though initially a commercial flop, later became a cultural landmark, with its soundtrack hailed as one of the greatest in reggae history. Cliff’s music, including timeless hits like ‘Many Rivers to Cross,’ ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want,’ and ‘Vietnam,’ resonated with audiences worldwide, blending themes of resilience, defiance, and hope. His career spanned decades, earning him two Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. Beyond his musical achievements, Cliff’s influence extended to social and political spheres, with his songs adopted as anthems for movements and covered by artists like Bruce Springsteen and John Lennon. His legacy as a pioneer of reggae and a voice for the marginalized remains indelible.
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Belgian airports warn of ‘major disruption’ amid nationwide strikes
Belgium is in the midst of a three-day wave of strikes, culminating in a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, as workers protest against government-imposed austerity measures. The industrial action, organized by major unions, includes disruptions to public transport on Monday, a public service strike on Tuesday, and a full-scale general strike on Wednesday. Key transportation hubs, including Eurostar and Belgium’s two main airports—Brussels and Charleroi—have warned of significant disruptions, with all departure flights canceled on Wednesday. The strikes follow widespread protests last month, where tens of thousands took to the streets to oppose government reforms and spending cuts. Unions have criticized the government for its lack of response to their demands, which include fair pensions, a wealth tax, a tax on digital activities for tech giants, and transparent scrutiny of corporate subsidies. The strikes coincide with a day of action against violence against women, which unions have linked to the broader protest movement. The industrial action has been a recurring issue since Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever became Prime Minister in February. Despite the unrest, Belgium’s coalition government announced a budget agreement on Monday, with De Wever emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility to sustain the welfare state. The government claims its reforms have already reduced debt accumulation by €32 billion during its term. Meanwhile, public transport services across the country are expected to face severe disruptions throughout the strike period.
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Germany’s Christmas markets open with festive cheer and tight security
As Germany’s cherished Christmas markets opened on Monday, the festive atmosphere was accompanied by heightened security measures, a reminder of the tragic attacks that have marred these annual celebrations in recent years. From Berlin to Cologne, markets welcomed visitors with traditional delights such as mulled wine, grilled sausages, and handmade crafts, while ensuring safety remained a top priority. In Berlin, the iconic market at Gedächtniskirche church commenced with a public service, alongside other prominent markets at Rotes Rathaus, Gendarmenmarkt, and Charlottenburg Palace. Vendors offered a variety of goods, from snacks and drinks to woolen hats and festive decorations, while children enjoyed rides and ice-skating. The markets, a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, have become a global symbol of holiday cheer. However, the shadow of past attacks looms large. In December 2022, a car-ramming attack in Magdeburg claimed six lives, while the 2016 Berlin truck attack at Gedächtniskirche left 13 dead. Authorities have implemented robust security measures, including anti-terrorism barriers and private security, to ensure the safety of visitors. Despite the challenges, organizers like Birgit Grothues in Cologne emphasized the importance of providing a joyful escape during difficult times, noting the smiles and festive spirit among attendees.
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From staycation offers to free events: How Dubai celebrates 4-day Eid Al Etihad weekend
Dubai is gearing up for an unforgettable Eid Al Etihad weekend, set to take place from December 1 to 3, 2025. The city will transform into a vibrant hub of festivities, offering residents and visitors a plethora of activities to mark the 54th anniversary of the UAE’s union. The celebrations will feature dazzling fireworks, live concerts, cultural parades, exclusive staycation offers, retail promotions, and diverse dining experiences, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
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Dubai Student Council members, inspired by Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership, embrace responsibility
Two Dubai students, Vanya Pahwa and Inaya Danish, have been selected to join the newly formed Dubai Students Council, a prestigious role that comes with significant responsibility. Inspired by the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the students are determined to focus on wellbeing, environmental action, and cultural awareness. Their selection was confirmed through personal letters from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, marking a pivotal moment in their lives. Vanya, from Springdale School Dubai, and Inaya, from Bloom World Academy, both bring a wealth of experience in student leadership. Vanya’s journey began with her active participation in various school roles, which honed her ability to bridge the gap between students and teachers. Inaya, on the other hand, was driven by instinct when she applied for the Council, seeing it as an opportunity to make a difference. The selection process was rigorous, involving interviews and group tasks, but both students emerged as part of the final 40 chosen citywide. Their visions for the Council are deeply personal. Vanya aims to address mental health and real-life skills, while Inaya is passionate about environmental sustainability and cultural understanding. Both students received a copy of ‘Lessons from Life’ by Sheikh Mohammed, which has profoundly influenced their approach to leadership. Vanya was inspired by the message of taking initiative, while Inaya resonated with the idea of compassionate leadership. As they embark on this new chapter, both students see the Council not as a platform for personal gain, but as an opportunity to serve and make a lasting impact on their community.
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Malaysia to ban social media for children under 16 next year
Malaysia has announced plans to prohibit individuals under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms starting in 2026, aligning itself with global efforts to impose stricter digital age restrictions for minors. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil revealed that the Cabinet has approved this initiative as part of a comprehensive strategy to protect young people from online risks such as cyberbullying, scams, and sexual exploitation. The government is currently examining age verification methods, including the potential use of electronic checks linked to identity cards or passports, though the exact enforcement timeline remains unspecified. Fadzil emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, regulatory bodies, and parents to ensure a safe digital environment for children and families. This move follows Malaysia’s recent mandate requiring major social media platforms with over 8 million users to obtain licenses and implement age verification and content-safety measures. Australia, which recently enacted the world’s first social media ban for children under 16, has set a precedent for such measures, with other countries like Denmark and Norway also exploring similar restrictions. The global trend reflects growing concerns about the adverse effects of social media on young users.
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‘Felt embarrassed to be called good looking’: Bollywood legend Dharmendra
Bollywood legend Dharmendra, often hailed as a ‘Greek God’ for his striking looks, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of timeless performances. In a poignant excerpt from a 2018 interview, the veteran actor candidly shared his feelings about being labeled as ‘good looking.’ Dharmendra expressed a sense of embarrassment over the compliment, revealing a humble and introspective side to his larger-than-life persona. ‘I felt embarrassed to be called good looking,’ he admitted, reflecting on how his appearance often overshadowed his dedication to acting. The interview offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a star who, despite his immense popularity, remained grounded and self-aware. Dharmendra’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, as fans and colleagues mourn the loss of a true icon whose contributions to Bollywood will be remembered for generations to come.
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Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s from 2026
Malaysia is set to enforce a nationwide ban on social media usage for individuals under the age of 16, effective from 2026. This decision aligns with a global trend of governments addressing the adverse effects of digital platforms on youth mental health and safety. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced on Sunday that the government is studying age restriction mechanisms employed by countries like Australia to safeguard young users from online threats such as cyberbullying, financial scams, and child exploitation. Fadzil emphasized the expectation that social media platforms will comply with the new regulation, preventing minors from creating accounts. The move comes amid escalating international scrutiny of tech giants like TikTok, Snapchat, Google, and Meta Platforms, which face lawsuits in the U.S. for their alleged role in exacerbating mental health crises among young users. Australia is set to deactivate accounts of users under 16 next month, while European nations like France, Spain, and Italy are piloting age verification systems. Indonesia, Malaysia’s neighbor, has also introduced measures to filter harmful content and strengthen age verification. Malaysia has intensified its oversight of social media platforms in recent years, citing a surge in harmful content, including online gambling and sensitive posts about race, religion, and royalty. Under new regulations effective since January, platforms with over 8 million users in Malaysia must obtain a license to operate.
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Parth Garg: Building trust and a new financial lifeline for global Indians
Parth Garg, the visionary founder of Aspora, is spearheading a transformative movement in diaspora fintech, emphasizing trust, transparency, and cutting-edge technology. Born and raised in Abu Dhabi and a Stanford alumnus, Garg established Aspora to address the challenges faced by immigrant communities, particularly the global Indian diaspora, in cross-border banking.