Author: Sam Allcock

A video of a dramatic cloud formation over Islamabad, Pakistan, has gone viral on social media, with many users linking it to the highly anticipated “Blood Moon” lunar eclipse. Experts, however, say the spectacle has nothing to do with the celestial event. The footage, widely shared on September 6, shows a towering, illuminated cloud above the capital city’s skyline. Viewers described it as a “heavenly sign” appearing just hours before the world prepares to witness a rare astronomical event — the total lunar eclipse, known as the Blood Moon. Anticipation of a rare lunar event On the night of September…

Turkish actor Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ was visibly emotional at the funeral of his close friend Halit Yukay, a businessman and naval figure whose death shocked many across Turkey. Tatlıtuğ wept as he stood near the coffin during the ceremony at Ümraniye Hekimbaşı Cemetery in Istanbul. Witnesses said the actor, usually known for keeping his private life out of the spotlight, struggled to contain his grief as his friend was laid to rest. A tragic discovery Yukay, 43, had been missing since August 4 after setting out on a journey from Yalova to Bozcaada. His disappearance triggered a lengthy search, ending weeks…

Sydney Sweeney has drawn widespread acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) for her performance in Christy, a new biopic about trailblazing boxer Christy Salters Martin. The 27-year-old Emmy-nominated actor, best known for Euphoria and The White Lotus, plays Martin in the David Michôd–directed film. Critics hailed her performance as her most powerful to date, sparking early Oscar buzz as awards season begins. A story of survival Martin, known as the “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” became one of the first women to rise to prominence in professional boxing, winning multiple titles and appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated. But…

Kristin Cabot, who went viral this summer when she was filmed kissing her boss at a Coldplay concert, has filed for divorce from her husband Andrew Cabot. The incident, captured on the jumbotron at Gillette Stadium in Boston in July, showed Cabot wrapped in the arms of Andy Byron, then chief executive of software company Astronomer. The footage quickly spread online, prompting both Cabot and Byron to leave their roles at the company. At the time, Andrew Cabot — CEO of Privateer Rum — was on a business trip to Japan. He reportedly returned to a media storm outside the…

Lebanese singer Amal Hijazi has spoken publicly for the first time in more than ten years, sharing personal reflections on her life, career and the choices that shaped her journey. In a rare media appearance, Hijazi revealed that she had quietly battled cancer more than a decade ago but chose to face the illness outside the public eye. She explained that she underwent chemotherapy at the time while continuing her artistic career without revealing her suffering to her fans. “I decided to live this stage in silence, away from the media,” she said. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Hijazi…

Huawei has unveiled the MatePad 11.5, a mid-range tablet designed to bridge the gap between premium devices and budget-friendly options. The device combines a glare-free PaperMatte display with advanced creative and office features, aiming to attract students and young professionals seeking performance at an accessible price. The company says its new 11.5-inch PaperMatte Display uses nano-level anti-glare etching technology to reduce 99% of light interference. This is intended to deliver clearer text and steady contrast even under bright conditions, tackling one of the main complaints about tablets used for study or work. Huawei claims the screen also provides an “eye-soothing”…

Samsung Electronics has secured its first IoT security certification for home appliances, as two series of robot vacuum cleaners and its Bespoke AI Refrigerators were recognised by TÜV Nord, a German-based global certification body. The certified products include the Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam, Bespoke Jet Bot Combo and 2025 Bespoke AI Refrigerators. Samsung said the achievement highlights both its leadership in smart home technology and its commitment to data security. “As the global focus on smart home security intensifies, Samsung continues to deliver robust protection through our Knox security platform,” said Jeong Seung Moon, Executive Vice President and Head…

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the launch of the Curatorial Foundations Program, a new initiative designed to build curatorial expertise among emerging talent in the UAE. The scheme is being developed in partnership with Node Berlin – Center for Curatorial Studies. Running from 1 October to 12 December, the hybrid programme will combine online instruction with onsite workshops at the Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood. It is open to UAE nationals and residents, including university graduates, artists and cultural practitioners, who wish to gain hands-on experience in curation. Workshops will cover the full spectrum of exhibition planning…

Warba Bank has unveiled its new “Wave Banking” youth account with a large-scale launch event at Khiran Mall, attracting hundreds of young people and community members. The initiative, promoted under the slogan “Your Wave, Your Style,” aims to provide tailored digital banking services for Kuwait’s younger generation. The event featured a mix of entertainment, competitions and prize giveaways, alongside presentations from Warba’s strategic partners. Brands including Talabat, Oula Fuel, Puff, The Daily Loaf, Say Suco, Golbha and Wainkom offered discounts and rewards, giving attendees a preview of the benefits available to account holders. Dr Mohammed Barakat, Chief Marketing and Corporate…

Zepp Health, the Chinese health technology company best known as the parent of Amazfit smartwatches, has acquired the core assets and intellectual property of Wild.AI, a specialist in women’s wellness and hormone-informed coaching. The deal, finalised at the end of August, includes proprietary technology and select members of Wild.AI’s leadership team. Financial terms have not been disclosed. Founded by entrepreneur Hélène Guillaume, Wild.AI has gained recognition for its focus on female physiology in sport and fitness. The platform uses hormonal and physiological data to help women tailor their training, nutrition, and recovery to different life stages — from menstruation to…