The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is under constant siege from cyber threats, facing over 200,000 cyberattacks daily, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah bearing the brunt of nearly 60% of these assaults. Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, head of cybersecurity for the UAE government, revealed these alarming statistics during his presentation at Gitex Global 2025. Dubai leads as the most targeted emirate, accounting for 21% of attacks, followed by Abu Dhabi (19%) and Sharjah (18%). Other emirates like Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain also face significant threats, albeit to a lesser extent. Government entities are the primary targets, absorbing 34.9% of the attacks, while financial firms, energy sectors, and healthcare organizations also face substantial risks. Despite the relentless onslaught, the UAE has demonstrated remarkable resilience, successfully defending both public and private sector organizations. The average duration of a cyberattack in the UAE is significantly shorter than the global average, standing at 18.53 minutes compared to 60 minutes worldwide. However, the financial impact remains severe, with the Middle East experiencing an average data breach cost of $7.92 million in 2024, far exceeding the global average of $4.88 million. Dr. Al Kuwaiti emphasized the evolving nature of cyber threats, warning that they outpace the ability of enterprises to adapt. He highlighted a recent ransomware attack on a private healthcare facility that resulted in the exfiltration of 8 terabytes of data. To combat these challenges, the UAE is fostering a cyber-resilient culture, conducting global cyber drills with over 133 countries, and integrating advanced technologies like AI into its defense strategies. Dr. Al Kuwaiti stressed the importance of anticipating and countering cyber threats to safeguard the economy, national security, and society. Global losses from cyberattacks reached $10.5 trillion in 2024 and are projected to soar to $15.6 trillion by 2029, underscoring the urgency of collective action.
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Panama president says US Embassy threatened to cancel visas over ties to China
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has alleged that a U.S. Embassy official is threatening to cancel visas of Panamanian officials as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to pressure Panama into limiting its ties with China. Speaking at his weekly press conference on Thursday, Mulino claimed, without providing evidence, that such actions are inconsistent with the positive relationship he aims to maintain with the United States. He did not identify the official in question. The U.S. Embassy in Panama has yet to respond to requests for comment. This incident follows a September statement by the U.S. State Department, which emphasized its commitment to countering China’s influence in Central America by restricting visas for individuals linked to the Chinese Communist Party or those undermining regional democracy on China’s behalf. Similar cases have emerged in the region, including the visa revocation of former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias and Vanessa Castro, a vice president of Costa Rica’s Congress, both allegedly due to their ties with China. Panama, home to the strategically vital Panama Canal, has become a focal point in U.S.-China tensions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s February visit underscored Washington’s push for Panama to reduce Chinese influence over the canal. While Panama denies such influence, it has complied with U.S. pressure to transfer port operations from a Hong Kong-based company to a U.S. consortium. Mulino reiterated Panama’s commitment to the canal’s neutrality, stating that visa decisions should not be used as leverage in geopolitical disputes.
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China, Laos, and Vietnam ramp up collaboration regarding cross-border infectious diseases
In a significant move to bolster regional health security, China, Laos, and Vietnam have intensified their collaboration to combat cross-border infectious diseases. This initiative was highlighted during a joint emergency drill held on October 15-16 in Jiangcheng county, Yunnan province, China. The drill simulated an outbreak of a newly emerging acute infectious disease in the border regions of the three nations, encompassing practical exercises, static displays, and strategic discussions. Sun Yang, deputy director of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, emphasized the drill’s meticulous planning, which showcased professionalism and a scientific approach. Shi Guoqing, director of the Health Emergency Center of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, noted that the drill effectively tested capabilities in early detection, rapid response, and international collaboration. This marked the first comprehensive, end-to-end emergency drill of its kind among the three countries. Nguyen Thi My Ha from the Vietnam Administration of Disease Prevention underscored the drill’s importance in enhancing information sharing and coordination mechanisms. Over recent years, the neighboring nations have coordinated through various meetings, seminars, and training sessions, focusing on epidemic monitoring and border health quarantine. Viengsavanh Kittiphong, deputy director of Laos’ Department of Communicable Disease Control, highlighted the improved efficiency and timeliness of data sharing between China and Laos, which has led to faster responses to outbreaks, including COVID-19, malaria, dengue fever, measles, and rubella. Moving forward, Yunnan province and its neighboring regions in Laos and Vietnam will prioritize the prevention and control of diseases such as chikungunya, dengue fever, and plague, while deepening joint mechanisms for major infectious disease outbreaks and enhancing measures like regular consultations and information sharing.
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India: Prime Minister Modi faces tough Bihar state election
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is bracing for a challenging state election in Bihar, one of India’s poorest and most populous regions. Scheduled for November, the election is marked by widespread discontent over youth unemployment and skepticism about the integrity of voter rolls. These issues could jeopardize Modi’s coalition, which relies heavily on regional partners like Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has a history of shifting allegiances between Modi and the opposition. Bihar, with its 130 million residents, is a politically pivotal state in India’s heartland. A loss here could ripple into upcoming elections in Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, further threatening the NDA’s dominance. Women voters are expected to play a decisive role, as male migration for work leaves them as the primary decision-makers in many households. Recent opinion polls show the NDA holding a slim 1.6% lead over the opposition alliance, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress. The NDA’s edge is attributed to initiatives like direct cash transfers to women, but distrust in electoral processes and anger over unemployment remain significant hurdles. The opposition has capitalized on these concerns, promising guaranteed government jobs and increased subsidies. Meanwhile, new political entrants like Jan Suraaj, founded by Modi’s former strategist Prashant Kishor, aim to reshape Bihar’s political landscape. Despite the challenges, Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party remains optimistic, citing public faith in the Prime Minister’s vision. The election results, to be announced on November 14, will be a litmus test for Modi’s coalition ahead of the 2026 national elections.
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India’s pollution refugees fleeing Delhi’s toxic air
In a growing trend, families in New Delhi are abandoning the city’s toxic air in search of healthier environments, prioritizing their children’s well-being over urban ties. Natasha Uppal, a 36-year-old maternal health advocate, and her husband made the life-altering decision to leave Delhi in 2022 after years of battling severe migraines and indoor confinement due to hazardous air quality. Their relocation to Bengaluru coincided with the discovery of her pregnancy, marking a pivotal moment in their lives. Uppal described the move as the ‘best decision,’ emphasizing that clean air is a ‘basic human right.’ While Bengaluru’s air quality occasionally exceeds World Health Organization (WHO) limits, it pales in comparison to Delhi’s months-long smog, allowing her son to play outdoors freely. Delhi, home to over 30 million people, consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities. Each winter, the capital is engulfed in a toxic haze fueled by crop burning, factory emissions, and vehicular pollution. PM2.5 levels, cancer-causing microparticles small enough to enter the bloodstream, have soared to 60 times WHO limits. Despite government measures like partial vehicle bans and cloud-seeding trials, the crisis persists. A 2022 study in The Lancet Planetary Health estimated that 3.8 million deaths in India between 2009 and 2019 were linked to air pollution. The UN children’s agency warns that polluted air heightens children’s risk of acute respiratory infections. Vidushi Malhotra, another Delhi expatriate, relocated to Goa in 2021 after her two-year-old son repeatedly fell ill. She now encourages others to follow suit, sparking what she calls a ‘mini-movement.’ Meanwhile, some families, like Roli Shrivastava’s, remain in Delhi but live in constant anxiety. Shrivastava, whose toddler suffers from worsening respiratory issues each winter, prepares for another season indoors, relying on air purifiers and nebulisers. She admits that relocation is a frequent consideration, stating, ‘Delhi is not a good place to raise kids when it comes to air pollution.’
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Unlock the Power of Your Money with Fee-Free Banking & 6.25% interest p.a.: Here’s How Mashreq NEO PLUS is Redefining the Way UAE Banks Reward You
In a groundbreaking move, Mashreq NEO PLUS is transforming the banking landscape in the UAE by offering unparalleled financial benefits and convenience. This innovative digital banking solution is designed to help individuals and businesses maximize their savings and investments with ease. With the NEO PLUS Saver Account, customers can earn up to 6.25% interest per annum by transferring a monthly salary of AED 10,000 or more. For those unable to transfer their salary, maintaining a balance of AED 50,000 or more still yields an impressive 5% interest per annum. Notably, this account also offers a Shariah-compliant option, catering to a broader audience. Managed through the highly-rated Mashreq Mobile App, NEO PLUS ensures a seamless and user-friendly banking experience. Additionally, the platform eliminates hidden fees on everyday banking services, including local and international transfers, ATM withdrawals, and chequebooks. New customers are welcomed with a joining bonus of up to AED 5,000, which includes salary transfer incentives, debit card cashback, and referral rewards. Beyond savings, NEO PLUS opens the door to diverse investment opportunities, allowing customers to invest in US equities, UAE stocks, mutual funds, and bonds with as little as $1. The platform also offers 10 free trades every month in US stocks & ETFs, making it easier than ever to grow wealth. For aspiring homeowners, NEO PLUS provides exclusive perks, such as 100% cashback on valuation fees when booking a Mashreq Home Loan. With integrated services ranging from credit cards and loans to insurance and mortgages, Mashreq NEO PLUS offers a comprehensive banking solution. Recognized as the ‘Best Digital Bank in the Middle East’ for five consecutive years and the ‘Best Islamic Digital Bank’ globally for two years running, Mashreq NEO has earned a 4.8 customer rating, the highest in the UAE. Mashreq NEO PLUS is not just banking; it’s a smarter, more rewarding way to manage your finances. For more information, visit mashreq.com/NEOPLUS or download the Mashreq Mobile App to open your account.
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Karan Johar shares unseen pictures from ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ set
Karan Johar, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the iconic Bollywood movie ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,’ recently took a nostalgic trip down memory lane by sharing a series of never-before-seen photos from the film’s set. The 1998 blockbuster, which marked Johar’s directorial debut, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. On Thursday, Johar posted these candid snapshots on his Instagram account, accompanied by the timeless track ‘Tum Paas Aaye,’ further amplifying the emotional connection with his audience. The images feature the film’s legendary cast, including Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Farah Khan, Anupam Kher, and Archana Puran Singh, capturing moments of camaraderie and joy during the filming process. In his heartfelt caption, Johar reflected on the 27-year journey of the film, expressing gratitude for the enduring love it continues to receive. He described the set as a place filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories, thanking fans for their unwavering support. The post quickly garnered immense attention, with fans flooding the comments section to share their personal stories and cherished memories of the film. ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ not only redefined Bollywood romance but also left an indelible mark on pop culture, influencing fashion trends and youth culture of the time. The film earned Johar the prestigious National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, cementing its legacy as a cinematic masterpiece. As fans reminisce about Anjali’s iconic bob cut, SRK’s signature pendant, and the timeless themes of love and friendship, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ remains a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in Indian cinema.
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Cats fighting bear, fake investments: UAE officials warn deepfake videos can trick anyone
In a stark warning about the growing threat of deepfake technology, UAE officials have highlighted the potential dangers of manipulated videos, which are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from reality. Speaking at Gitex Global 2025, Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasized the global scale of this challenge. He shared an anecdote about a dinner conversation where attendees debated whether to adopt a cat after watching a deepfake video of a cat fending off a bear. Al Olama warned that such deceptive content could influence critical decisions, from voting in elections to sharing sensitive information. Meanwhile, Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, cautioned residents and investors against trusting social media videos falsely depicting him endorsing specific investments. He clarified that such videos are deepfakes and urged the public to remain vigilant. Both ministers stressed the need for global collaboration to address the issue, including the implementation of watermarks to identify deepfake content. Al Olama also highlighted the importance of upskilling the public and fostering a global dialogue to combat the misuse of AI technology.
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Watch: Moment grain silo collapses in Illinois
A dramatic incident unfolded in Martinton, Illinois, approximately 80 miles south of Chicago, when a grain silo filled with soybeans unexpectedly collapsed. The event, captured on video, showed the structure giving way under the weight of its contents, sending debris and soybeans cascading to the ground. Fortunately, local authorities confirmed that there were no injuries reported in the aftermath of the collapse. The cause of the incident remains under investigation, with officials examining potential structural failures or other contributing factors. The collapse has raised concerns about the safety and maintenance of agricultural storage facilities in the region. Residents and workers in the area expressed relief that no one was harmed, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with such structures. Authorities are now working to assess the damage and ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
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How Channing Tatum injured himself while filming a scene in ‘Roofman’
Channing Tatum recently opened up about an on-set injury he sustained while filming a particularly challenging scene in his latest movie, ‘Roofman.’ The actor, who portrays fugitive Jeffrey Manchester, shared the details during an interview, describing the incident as one of the most awkward and physically demanding moments of his career. The scene in question required Tatum to perform a nude sequence, which left him with a permanent scar. According to Deadline, the accident occurred while shooting a chaotic moment where Jeffrey, caught showering in a Toys ‘R’ Us store, attempts to flee. Tatum explained that the scene involved him jumping onto a bike rack and climbing a wall, during which he gashed his leg. Despite the injury, the team quickly patched him up with glue, and filming continued. Tatum also highlighted the awkwardness of filming such a scene, particularly with the camera placement, as he questioned how the director, Derek Cianfrance, planned to shoot it without compromising the scene’s integrity. ‘Roofman,’ which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, also stars Kirsten Dunst as Leigh, a Toys ‘R’ Us employee who forms a connection with Tatum’s character. The film is currently in theaters.