In the aftermath of Diwali celebrations across northern India, a disturbing trend has emerged: a surge in severe eye injuries caused by improvised devices known as ‘carbide guns.’ These rudimentary contraptions, made from calcium carbide in plastic pipes, produce loud blasts and fiery sparks, mimicking gunfire. However, their unpredictable nature has led to devastating consequences, particularly among children and young adults. Aarish, a 15-year-old from Madhya Pradesh, is one of hundreds of victims. After a carbide gun exploded near his face, he lost vision in his left eye and underwent emergency surgery. Despite his physical pain, Aarish’s primary concern is missing work, as he repairs televisions to support his family. His story reflects a broader issue of child labor in India, where millions of children work despite legal restrictions. The carbide gun phenomenon gained traction after viral social media videos showcased their use as firecrackers. Priced at just 150-200 rupees ($1.70-$2), these devices became a popular yet dangerous Diwali novelty. Hospitals in states like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi have reported over 370 cases of eye injuries, with at least 55 requiring surgery. Dr. Kavitha Kumar of Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal described the injuries as ranging from mild chemical burns to severe corneal damage, with some patients facing temporary or permanent vision loss. Dr. Partha Biswas, president of the All India Ophthalmological Society, has called for an urgent nationwide ban on carbide guns, emphasizing their potential to cause permanent blindness and disability. Despite regulations on calcium carbide, its widespread use in fruit ripening and other activities has made it easily accessible. Authorities have arrested several sellers, and some states have banned the devices, but experts argue that stricter enforcement and public awareness are needed to prevent future tragedies. As families like Aarish’s and Alzain’s grapple with the aftermath, the incident underscores the urgent need for action to protect public health during festive celebrations.
博客
-
UAE Cabinet reforms Health Council, approves new sustainability guidelines
In a pivotal session on October 27, 2025, the UAE Cabinet unveiled a series of transformative decisions aimed at bolstering the nation’s governance, sustainability, and international cooperation. Among the key resolutions was the restructuring of the Health Council, now led by Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, alongside senior representatives from federal, local, and private healthcare sectors. The Cabinet also greenlit the reformation of the National Committee for Public Health, signaling a renewed focus on public health governance. Sustainability took center stage as the Cabinet endorsed the National Guideline for Assessing the Economic Value of Groundwater, a strategic move to safeguard water resources and ensure long-term water security. Additionally, the UAE Biennial Transparency Report on greenhouse gas emissions was approved, underscoring the nation’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and climate action. On the economic front, the Cabinet reviewed the UAE Export Development Policy, which has driven a 247% surge in exports since 2019, supported by Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with multiple nations. Food safety initiatives were also highlighted, including the launch of a national training plan for food establishment employees and the development of a unified food risk assessment framework. The Cabinet further addressed social support, updating federal legislation to empower vulnerable communities and promote economic independence. International cooperation was another focal point, with the ratification of agreements with Qatar and Tunisia, alongside plans to negotiate over 30 additional accords in fields such as double taxation, nuclear regulation, and cultural cooperation. The UAE’s hosting of the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity and the Second National Conference of Medical Colleges was also approved, reflecting the nation’s ambition to lead in innovation and healthcare.
-
Jailed Palestinian leader Barghouti can unify Palestinians, says son
Marwan Barghouti, often referred to as the ‘Mandela of Palestine,’ remains a pivotal figure in Palestinian politics despite serving multiple life sentences in an Israeli prison. His son, Arab Barghouti, has appealed to US President Donald Trump to leverage the recent Gaza truce as an opportunity to secure his father’s release and reignite the two-state solution for the Middle East conflict. Marwan Barghouti, a prominent leader of the second intifada in the early 2000s, is widely regarded as a potential successor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. His enduring popularity among Palestinians stems from his ability to unify diverse political factions, including Hamas. In June 2004, an Israeli court sentenced him to five life terms for his alleged involvement in anti-Israeli attacks that resulted in five deaths. However, his imprisonment has not diminished his influence. Arab Barghouti emphasized his father’s unique capacity to bridge divides and foster peace, urging the international community to recognize the urgency of his release. This call comes amid growing global recognition of Palestinian statehood, with countries like France, Britain, and Canada formalizing their support. Marwan Barghouti’s wife, Fadwa, has also appealed to Trump, who hinted at considering the matter during a recent interview. Despite harsh conditions, including solitary confinement and reported physical abuse, Marwan Barghouti continues to advocate for Palestinian unity and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. His son expressed confidence that, upon release, his father would remain deeply engaged in addressing Palestinian suffering and rebuilding efforts, driven by his lifelong mission to serve his people.
-
Over 150 New York Times contributors to boycott paper over Gaza coverage
More than 150 contributors to The New York Times have pledged to cease writing for the newspaper’s opinion section, accusing it of biased reporting on the Israel-Palestine conflict and the war in Gaza. In a collective letter, the signatories, including prominent activists, artists, and politicians such as Rima Hassan, Chelsea Manning, Rashida Tlaib, and Greta Thunberg, criticized the paper for its alleged role in perpetuating misinformation and justifying violence. They argue that withholding their work is the only way to challenge the Times’ influential position in shaping public discourse. The letter outlines three key demands: a review of anti-Palestinian bias, the establishment of new editorial standards for Palestine coverage, and the retraction of a controversial December 2023 article titled ‘Screams Without Words,’ which they claim falsely accused Palestinians of sexual assault during the Hamas-led October 7 attack. The signatories also called for a US arms embargo on Israel, emphasizing that their demands are neither impossible nor unreasonable, citing the Times’ past editorial reforms during the AIDS crisis and its apology for errors in Iraq War reporting. The letter underscores the Times’ global influence, accusing it of obfuscating and justifying Israel’s actions in Gaza, thereby perpetuating decades of biased coverage.
-
The South African start-up bringing tech to townships
In a groundbreaking move, South African entrepreneur Talifhani Banks has introduced a cutting-edge delivery system tailored for small businesses in underserved townships. This initiative aims to bridge the technological gap in these communities, providing them with access to modern logistics solutions that were previously out of reach. Banks’ innovative approach not only enhances operational efficiency for local enterprises but also fosters economic growth and job creation in areas that have long been marginalized. By leveraging technology, Banks is empowering small businesses to compete more effectively in the broader market, thereby transforming the economic landscape of South African townships. This development marks a significant step towards inclusive technological advancement in the region.
-
How a Hollywood tour guide discovered an unknown celebrity grave
For decades, it was widely believed that Elsa Lanchester, the iconic actress who brought the Bride of Frankenstein to life in the 1935 Universal Horror classic, had been cremated and her ashes scattered at sea following her death in 1986. However, Scott Michaels, a historian and founder of Dearly Departed Tours, recently uncovered a surprising truth: Lanchester’s cremated remains were interred in a rose garden under her married name, Elsa Lanchester Laughton. This revelation, nearly 40 years after her passing, has reignited interest in the actress’s legacy. Michaels, a specialist in Hollywood’s darker history, has dedicated his career to uncovering forgotten stories of the entertainment industry. His discovery led him to organize a crowdfunding campaign to install a formal wall marker at Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood, where Lanchester’s ashes rest. The unveiling ceremony is set for October 28, 2025, coinciding with what would have been her 123rd birthday. Lanchester, born in London in 1902, began her career as a child actor in theatre and cabaret before rising to fame in Hollywood. Her portrayal of the Bride of Frankenstein, with her electrifying hairstyle and haunting presence, cemented her place in film history. Despite her success, Lanchester’s posthumous legacy had been overshadowed by misconceptions about her final resting place. Michaels’ discovery not only corrects the record but also honors Lanchester’s contributions to cinema. Her role as the Bride remains a beloved Halloween costume and a symbol of horror’s golden age. Michaels, who has consulted on projects like Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,’ is known for his passion for unsung Hollywood figures. His efforts to memorialize Lanchester reflect his commitment to preserving the legacies of marginalized or forgotten stars. This story also highlights the enduring cultural impact of Lanchester’s work, as Universal Studios recently celebrated the 90th anniversary of ‘Bride of Frankenstein’ with special merchandise and editions. A blue plaque was also unveiled at her childhood home in London, commemorating her and her mother Edith, a socialist, feminist, and suffragette. Michaels’ discovery serves as a reminder of the importance of historical accuracy and the power of storytelling in keeping the legacies of Hollywood’s pioneers alive.
-
Who is Anwar Ibrahim, the Malaysian leader who helped Trump preside over a ‘peace deal’?
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent diplomatic achievements have been overshadowed by domestic challenges. During a high-profile meeting with US President Donald Trump in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, Anwar secured a crucial tariff reduction on Malaysian exports to the US, from 24% to 19%. This deal, though lacking in finer details, provides much-needed stability for Malaysia’s export-driven economy. More significantly, Anwar orchestrated Trump’s attendance at the ASEAN summit, where the US president presided over a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia—a fragile ceasefire brokered by Anwar after deadly border clashes earlier in the year. These diplomatic wins have bolstered Malaysia’s standing in the region, but critics argue that Anwar’s success was partly due to his role as ASEAN’s rotating chair. Domestically, Anwar faces mounting pressure. Rising living costs, slow economic reforms, and accusations of favoritism have fueled public discontent. In July 2025, 20,000 protesters took to the streets demanding his resignation. Additionally, his administration’s handling of religious tensions and corruption allegations has drawn criticism. Despite these challenges, Anwar’s international diplomacy has been commendable. He has navigated Malaysia’s position between the US and China, securing visits from both Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, his ability to replicate this success at home will determine his political survival as Malaysia heads toward the 2028 elections.
-
Mamdani, AOC and Sanders rally huge crowd ahead of New York City mayoral election
Despite an unexpected dip in temperature during an otherwise warm October, over 13,000 enthusiastic supporters gathered at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens on Sunday evening to rally behind Democratic Socialist and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. The event, themed ‘New York is not for Sale,’ was held in anticipation of the upcoming mayoral election on November 4. The historic 1920s venue buzzed with excitement as attendees of diverse backgrounds and ages came together, reflecting the broad coalition Mamdani has cultivated. Queens, known for its cultural diversity, served as the perfect backdrop for this vibrant assembly. Among the speakers was NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, who humorously referred to himself as ‘your second choice in the primary.’ Lander praised Mamdani’s coalition-building efforts, urging the crowd to reject former governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an Independent. Cuomo, accused of sexual harassment and corruption during his tenure, has faced criticism for his handling of the pandemic and recent Islamophobic rhetoric. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders also took the stage, delivering impassioned speeches. AOC emphasized the importance of affordable housing, decent wages, and healthcare, while Sanders highlighted the global significance of the election, warning against complacency and the dangers of oligarchy. Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary with 56% of the vote, concluded the rally with a powerful message of hope and determination, urging supporters to continue their efforts in the final days leading up to the election. Early voting has already seen significant turnout, with 164,000 ballots cast, matching the total from the 2021 early voting period. Despite Mamdani’s lead in the polls, recent data shows Cuomo narrowing the gap, setting the stage for a closely contested race.
-
ChatGPT shares data on how many users exhibit psychosis or suicidal thoughts
OpenAI has disclosed new data indicating that a small but significant percentage of ChatGPT users exhibit signs of mental health crises, including mania, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts. According to the company, approximately 0.07% of weekly active users display such symptoms, with its AI chatbot designed to recognize and respond to these sensitive interactions. While OpenAI emphasizes that these cases are ‘extremely rare,’ critics argue that even this fraction could represent hundreds of thousands of individuals, given ChatGPT’s recent milestone of 800 million weekly active users, as reported by CEO Sam Altman.
-
UAE: Indian expats to get e-passports with chips when applying through new portal
The Consulate General of India in Dubai has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to streamline passport services for Indian expatriates in the UAE. Starting October 28, 2025, the Passport Seva Programme (PSP 2.0) will introduce e-passports embedded with electronic chips, offering enhanced security and faster immigration clearance. The new system, accessible via the upgraded GPSP 2.0 portal, aims to reduce waiting times at BLS Centres and make the application process more transparent and user-friendly. Key features include the ability to upload ICAO-compliant photographs and supporting documents directly online, as well as the option to make minor corrections at BLS Centres without additional charges. Applicants are encouraged to register on the portal, submit their forms online, and book appointments through BLS International’s website. This initiative marks a significant step in modernizing India’s passport services abroad, ensuring greater efficiency and convenience for the Indian community in the UAE.