标签: Africa

非洲

  • Lawyers ask ICC to investigate 122 European officials for crimes against humanity in Mediterranean

    Lawyers ask ICC to investigate 122 European officials for crimes against humanity in Mediterranean

    The European Union’s collaboration with Libya on migration policies has come under intense scrutiny following a legal filing at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Human rights lawyers Omer Shatz and Juan Branco submitted a 700-page dossier on Thursday, naming 122 European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, as co-perpetrators in crimes against humanity involving migrants in the Mediterranean Sea. The filing accuses these leaders of policies that led to the interception, detention, torture, and death of tens of thousands of asylum seekers. The case builds on a 2019 ICC investigation into EU migration practices, which initially did not name specific individuals. The lawyers’ extensive six-year investigation included interviews with over 70 senior European officials and access to confidential documents. They argue that European leaders, alongside Libyan actors, are responsible for the deaths of 25,000 migrants and abuses against 150,000 survivors. The EU has defended its cooperation with Libya, emphasizing efforts to combat human trafficking and protect migrants. However, human rights groups and a recent U.N.-backed investigation have criticized the EU’s support for Libyan forces, citing their role in migrant abuses. The ICC filing marks a significant escalation in holding European leaders accountable for their migration policies.

  • UAE faces 200,000 daily cyberattacks; Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah most targeted

    UAE faces 200,000 daily cyberattacks; Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah most targeted

    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.

  • Karan Johar shares unseen pictures from ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ set

    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.

  • How Channing Tatum injured himself while filming a scene in ‘Roofman’

    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.

  • Diane Keaton’s family reveals cause of death, expresses gratitude for ‘love and support’

    Diane Keaton’s family reveals cause of death, expresses gratitude for ‘love and support’

    The family of legendary actress Diane Keaton has disclosed that she passed away due to pneumonia on October 11, 2025. In an exclusive statement to People magazine, the Keaton family expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming love and support they have received during this difficult time. The Oscar-winning actress, best known for her iconic role in ‘Annie Hall,’ was 79 years old at the time of her death. Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, Keaton was the eldest of four children. Her father was a civil engineer, while her mother, a homemaker, nurtured her creative talents. Keaton began her acting journey in school plays and later pursued drama in college before moving to New York to pursue a career in theatre. She adopted her mother’s maiden name, Keaton, as her stage name. Her breakthrough role came in 1972 with ‘The Godfather,’ where she starred alongside Al Pacino. She reprised her role in the film’s sequels and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1977 for her performance in Woody Allen’s ‘Annie Hall.’ Over the years, Keaton became a Hollywood icon, starring in beloved films such as ‘The First Wives Club,’ ‘Father of the Bride,’ ‘Baby Boom,’ and ‘Something’s Gotta Give,’ which earned her another Oscar nomination. The Keaton family also highlighted her passion for supporting the unhoused community and animal shelters, encouraging fans to donate to these causes in her memory. ‘She loved her animals and was steadfast in her support of the unhoused community,’ the family stated. ‘Any donations in her memory to a local food bank or an animal shelter would be a wonderful tribute to her.’ Diane Keaton’s legacy as a versatile and compassionate artist continues to inspire generations of fans and fellow actors.

  • Police fire tear gas at crowds mourning former Kenyan prime minister

    Police fire tear gas at crowds mourning former Kenyan prime minister

    The remains of Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister, were repatriated to his homeland following his passing in India on Wednesday. Odinga, a prominent political figure, was met with an outpouring of grief as thousands of mourners assembled at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to pay their respects. The solemn procession accompanying his body to Kasarani Stadium, however, was marred by chaos when police resorted to firing tear gas to disperse the massive crowd and maintain order. The incident has sparked mixed reactions, with some criticizing the use of force during a period of national mourning, while others acknowledged the challenges of managing such large gatherings. Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics, as he was a key player in the country’s democratic evolution and a symbol of opposition leadership.

  • Seychelles’ president-elect set to halt tourist development on tiny island

    Seychelles’ president-elect set to halt tourist development on tiny island

    Patrick Herminie, the president-elect of Seychelles, has pledged to suspend the construction of a contentious luxury resort funded by Qatar on Assumption Island, an ecologically sensitive area. In an interview with the BBC, Herminie, who is set to assume office on October 26, criticized the current agreement as ‘unacceptable,’ stating that Seychelles received minimal benefits from the deal. The resort project, managed by the Qatari investment firm Assets Group, includes 40 luxury villas and an upgraded airstrip for executive jets. Environmental activists have raised concerns over the potential ecological damage to Assumption Island, which serves as a gateway to the Aldabra atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique biodiversity. The issue became a focal point during last month’s presidential election, with Herminie defeating incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan in a runoff. Ramkalawan had defended the project, emphasizing the need for foreign investment. Herminie plans to halt the project, engage with investors, and address environmental concerns, ensuring that only existing structures remain.

  • Apple rolls out MacBook Pro, iPad Pro with more powerful M5 chip

    Apple rolls out MacBook Pro, iPad Pro with more powerful M5 chip

    Apple has introduced its latest lineup of devices, including the refreshed MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and the second-generation Vision Pro headset, all powered by the new M5 chip. The announcement, made on Wednesday, underscores Apple’s commitment to enhancing performance for creative professionals while maintaining competitive pricing. The M5 chip, built using a cutting-edge 3-nanometer process, promises significant improvements in both performance and energy efficiency, enabling advanced AI-based applications to run seamlessly on these devices. Notably, the MacBook Pro with the M5 chip can now support large language models directly on the device, a leap forward in on-device AI capabilities. Despite these upgrades, Apple has kept the prices unchanged from the previous M4-powered versions, with the 14-inch MacBook Pro starting at $1,599, the iPad Pro at $999, and the Vision Pro at $3,499. The Vision Pro, which debuted in 2023, has received positive feedback for its display quality but remains a niche product with limited adoption. Apple’s strategy of integrating its most advanced chips into premium devices like the MacBook Pro and iPad Pro aims to counter the performance gains of competitors using Qualcomm and Intel’s AI-oriented chips. The company also anticipates a rebound in iPad and Mac sales, driven by more affordable models and a global recovery in electronics demand.

  • South Africa welcomes $115M US bridge plan to sustain its HIV programs for 6 months

    South Africa welcomes $115M US bridge plan to sustain its HIV programs for 6 months

    South Africa has expressed gratitude for a $115 million U.S. bridging plan that ensures continued funding for HIV treatment and prevention programs until March. The initiative, part of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), is seen as a positive step in bilateral relations despite recent strains. PEPFAR, credited with saving over 25 million lives globally, has been a lifeline for South Africa, which has the world’s highest number of people living with HIV. Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump suspended foreign aid to South Africa, including PEPFAR, leading to job losses and service disruptions. Over 8,000 health workers were laid off, and 12 specialized HIV clinics funded by USAID were closed. South African Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni highlighted the bridge plan as a solution to the abrupt funding halt, emphasizing its role in maintaining bilateral ties. However, relations remain tense, with Trump accusing South Africa’s government of mistreating minority white Afrikaners and imposing tariffs on its exports. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi noted that the U.S. is revising its approach to PEPFAR, offering transition periods of up to five years before complete funding cessation. While the bridge plan provides temporary relief, uncertainties linger over long-term HIV program sustainability.

  • How Sharjah cut rental process from multiple visits to minutes

    How Sharjah cut rental process from multiple visits to minutes

    Sharjah has transformed its rental process from a cumbersome, multi-visit ordeal to a seamless digital experience, saving residents both time and money. Through a unified digital system integrating key government entities such as the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), Sharjah City Municipality, the Real Estate Registration Department, and the Department of Town Planning and Survey, the emirate has achieved remarkable efficiency gains. Between 2022 and 2024, this system saved Dh250 million and reduced over 1.2 million work hours across government bodies. Residents have directly benefited, saving Dh1 million and more than 79,000 hours, as services like moving into a new home can now be completed in minutes through a single digital channel. Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department (SDD), emphasized that the future of government services in Sharjah will be defined by integration and simplicity, with every experience designed to be seamless and people-centric. Lamia Al Hussan Al Shamsi, Director of the SDD, highlighted key digital projects showcased at Gitex Global 2025, including Digital Sharjah, an AI-powered chatbot, and the Aqari Platform, which has processed over 2,000 transactions and registered 42,000 real estate units entirely online. Sharjah’s digital transformation aligns with the UAE’s broader smart governance goals, leveraging AI and data to enhance urban life, sustainability, and community trust.