标签： Asia

Gopichand Hinduja, the esteemed chairman of the Hinduja Group and Britain’s wealthiest individual, has passed away at the age of 85. The news of his demise was confirmed on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in London, where he had been residing. Hinduja, a prominent figure in global business and philanthropy, leaves behind a legacy of immense contributions to industry and society. The Hinduja Group, a multinational conglomerate with diverse interests ranging from automotive to finance, flourished under his leadership, cementing its position as a powerhouse in the global economy. His passing marks the end of an era for the business world, as colleagues and admirers reflect on his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. Tributes have poured in from across the globe, highlighting his impact on both the corporate and philanthropic landscapes. Gopichand Hinduja’s life and achievements will continue to inspire future generations, as his legacy endures through the institutions he built and the lives he touched.

In the wake of a ceasefire that ended two years of conflict, supermarkets in Gaza have reopened, revealing a stark contrast between the return of luxury items and the continued scarcity of essential goods. Monther al-Shrafi, a resident of Gaza City, observes shelves stocked with chocolates, soft drinks, and cigarettes—items that were once considered unattainable during the famine. However, basic necessities like eggs, fresh meat, and vital medicines such as antibiotics remain conspicuously absent. Shrafi laments, “Can you imagine that there is chocolate in Gaza while there are no antibiotics?”

Following the ceasefire on October 10, Israeli authorities partially reopened the Kerem Shalom border crossing, allowing the entry of goods and international aid for the first time since March 2. While carbohydrates, starches, and sugary products like chocolate and candies have flooded the markets, animal proteins and dairy products are severely restricted. For instance, frozen chicken now costs around 80 shekels (approximately $25) per kilogram, making it unaffordable for most residents.

Shrafi highlights the ongoing food crisis, stating that the available items are unhealthy and cannot replace basic natural foods. He recounts his futile search for painkillers for his daughter’s infected toe, underscoring the dire shortage of essential medicines. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, Israeli restrictions have led to significant shortages in drugs (56%), medical consumables (68%), and laboratory supplies (67%). Critical medical services, including orthopaedic and open-heart surgeries, face severe gaps.

Israeli authorities control the entry of goods into Gaza, either through direct bans or by delaying import requests. While hundreds of truckloads have entered Gaza in recent weeks, the focus on carbohydrates and sugars has created a misleading impression of abundance. Abdallah Sharshara, a Gaza-based lawyer, argues that Israel is deliberately allowing certain items to conceal the visible signs of starvation. He notes that people are gaining weight unnaturally due to the reliance on processed foods, while fresh meat and eggs remain banned.

Sharshara emphasizes that the partial entry of goods does not meet the actual needs of the population, stating, “Even if Israel allows some goods in, they do not truly reach the people.” The situation in Gaza remains a paradox, with luxury goods symbolizing a superficial recovery while the essential needs of the population continue to be unmet.

A series of devastating snowstorms and a catastrophic avalanche in Nepal’s Himalayan region have resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including five Italian climbers. The incidents occurred over several days, with the most severe event taking place on Monday at the base camp of the 5,630-meter Yalung Ri peak near the Chinese border. An avalanche struck a group of 12 climbers, claiming the lives of seven, including three Italians, two Nepalis, a German, and a French national. The remaining five survivors were rescued and airlifted to Kathmandu for medical treatment. Survivors described the terrifying moment when massive ice slabs descended upon them, burying some under the snow. In a separate incident, two Italian climbers lost their lives while attempting to scale the 6,887-meter Panbari mountain in western Nepal. The climbers had been missing since Friday and were confirmed dead by local authorities. Nepal, home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, including Mount Everest, attracts hundreds of climbers and trekkers annually. The autumn season, though less popular than spring, still sees significant expedition activity despite the challenging conditions. Last week, Cyclone Montha brought heavy rain and snowfall, stranding many trekkers on popular routes. According to the Himalayan Database, avalanches have been responsible for nearly a third of the 1,093 recorded deaths on Himalayan peaks since 1950.