BBC presenter Amol Rajan, during a conversation with broadcaster Giles Brandreth on the Rosebud Podcast, said he is considering moving his family to India due to “big problems” in England. Rajan, who hosts BBC Radio 4’s Today program and University Challenge, said he was “very concerned” about the future of the country and was reconsidering where his four children should grow up.He said that although he still loves England, he is not sure whether it remains a place “where history is being made”, comparing it to India, which he described as dynamic and fast-changing.

What did he say about India

Rajan said India “feels exciting and energetic in a way that Britain doesn’t always feel”, pointing to its young population, rapid economic growth and expanding workforce.He said India is a country “where history is being made” and said he would like his children to spend time there so they can experience it firsthand and decide for themselves where they want to live in the future.

Concerns about “big problems” in Britain

Rajan said he was concerned about the direction of Britain, calling it “a place with big, big problems that need to be solved”.He said that although he believes Britain is currently the best place to raise his children, he is unsure about its long-term cultural and global relevance compared to previous decades such as the 1960s and 1970s.He compared Britain’s past influence on culture, politics and world affairs to its present, suggesting that it no longer had the same momentum.

career change

Rajan also revealed that he was stepping away from the BBC Radio 4 Today program to start his own digital venture in the creator economy.She said the early-morning nature of broadcast journalism has been challenging, especially with family life, and indicated a desire to move toward a healthier and more flexible lifestyle.

Who is Amol Rajan?

Amol Rajan is a British journalist and broadcaster of Indian origin. Born in Kolkata and brought up in London, he is best known as the presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Today program and BBC Two’s University Challenge.He previously served as editor of The Independent newspaper and is considered one of the most prominent media personalities in the UK. Rajan is married to academic Charlotte Faircloth, and the couple have four children.

US representative Brandon Gill 7-Eleven in the US is facing extreme criticism online for his comments on hiring Indians in stores. In an increasingly popular video on“While sharing the video, he captioned the post, “We do not need to import 7-Eleven workers from India or anywhere around the world. Hire Americans.” Gill appeared on The Benny Show, hosted by YouTuber Benny Johnson, and talked about the growing immigrant demographics in areas like Frisco in Texas. He blamed illegal and legal immigration through the H-1B visa system as fraudsters, citing the example of India’s 7-Eleven workers. He also claimed that people set up fake businesses in the country and start serial immigration after settling. “This thing has to end at some point and I think that point has come now,” he said. His comments stem from a video shot inside a 7-Eleven store in Texas, which was posted by controversial YouTuber Tyler Oliveira. In the clip, an Indian employee at the store mentioned that he is in the country on an H-1B visa and is originally from Andhra Pradesh in India. The video was later shared by AF Post on X with this caption: “Tyler Oliveira shows an H-1B worker at 7/11. To be approved for an H-1B, it must be determined that there is no American talent who can fill the position.“Gill, who represents Texas’s 26th Congressional District, responded to the video calling for a ban on H-1B visas, writing, “H-1B is a scam and must be ended.”As many social media users pointed out, the irony is that Gill himself is married to an Indian. His wife, Danielle D’Souza, is the daughter of Trump aide Dinesh D’Souza, who was born in Mumbai and immigrated to the US in 1978. Danielle D’Souza Gill is an American author, commentator, and conservative activist who has appeared on Fox News and Newsmax, as well as been actively involved in the Women for Trump coalition.Gill faced heavy criticism for his comments on Indians, with many netizens asking him to marry a woman of Indian origin. One user on Another said, “Gas stations don’t pay well, no one wants to work there, open racism from a congressman is crazy.” “Then why marry an Indian brother,” and “Do you consider your in-laws as imports, Congressman? Have some shame,” wrote others. Despite his personal ties to an immigrant family, Gill is known for being vocal about his anti-immigration stance. First, he went to X to argue that immigration is not inherently beneficial because it is legal. In another post, he shared photos of California of 1960 and 2025, comparing the two and claiming that mass migration has made America “unrecognizable.” Interestingly, each of his posts on this issue is accompanied by a reminder of his wife’s immigrant roots.

For decades, the United States has been the cultural and economic center of the global village. However, that influence is currently being used to propagate growing anti-India sentiment. From online posts to religious clergy, everyone in the country has joined the anti-India and anti-Hindu gang for their influence, creating fear among the public towards the community and religion. The latest flashpoint involves pastor Joel Webb and provocateur Alex Stein, whose recent collaboration on the ‘After Hours with Alex Stein’ podcast has been widely condemned as a masterclass in religious intolerance.Webb and Stein, both known for their controversial comments on Indians and Hindus, were discussing the change in demographics in Texas where Indians have reportedly taken over the state’s jobs, housing and communities. In the clip going viral on Twitter, Stein claimed that Hindus “love to worship cows, they drink cow pee, they eat cow poop,” while asking Webb to comment on how this religion is demonic and on the level of “insanity” among religions. “Is Hinduism Even Crazier Than Scientology?”. he asked. “Hinduism is completely demonic,” Webb replied, arguing that the religion is not monotheistic and has “millions of gods”. The controversial pastor stuck to his rhetoric and also alleged that the video showed Hindus pouring “blood-like fluid” on themselves, sacrificing animals and drinking their blood. He claimed that this religion sends a person to hell, saying, “It is very pagan, very demonic, polytheistic and very satanic.” Stein escalated the criticism by saying that Hinduism is incompatible with Western cultural values ​​and that Indians are committing H-1B fraud to turn North Texas into “mini Mumbai, India”.Far-right conservatives have faced heavy criticism online for criticizing Hinduism and labeling it “demonic”.Zoho Corporation founder Sridhar Vembu condemned the comments in an Did not invade nations and enslave people in the name of bringing “civilization” and “God” from the “pagans”.““It’s strange that among the religions he mentioned, Hinduism is the only religion that never said ‘Follow this religion or you will rot in hell.’ An “It’s business for them. If they don’t call Hinduism pagan or demonic, there can’t be conversions, and the church won’t make money. They have always been deliberately short-sighted and narrow-minded as far as Hinduism is concerned,” said another. Self-proclaimed Christian nationalist and controversial podcaster Joel Webb was recently trolled for claiming that women need to “shut up.” In a podcast episode with co-host Wesley Todd, she said women should be silent in the public square, civic positions of government, church, and at home. In November 2025, he posted simple Diwali wishes on social media asking FBI Director Kash Patel to go back to India and worship ‘demons’. Alex Stein, a YouTuber, recently went viral for his satirical speech at the Plano City Council meeting, where he mocked Hindu religious beliefs and practices while wearing a yellow kurta, black shorts, slippers and a red tilak on his forehead. As the number of Indians coming to the US has declined following the increase in H-1B visa fees, influential people and far-right commentators have launched attacks targeting Indians and Hindus inside the country, especially in states like Texas where they are in the majority. In 2022, research by Network Contagion Research Institute This pattern was documented at Rutgers University where social media was systematically weaponized to target Hindu communities, often by bots and geopolitical players. It also warned Hindu communities to remain vigilant as online hatred often seeps into the physical world.

Gold prices in UAE fall Dh4 after weekly peak as rates retreat from highs in Dubai / Image: File

Gold prices in Dubai eased again, falling by almost Dh4 per gram after climbing to near weekly highs, providing a moment of relief for buyers eyeing the fast-moving market.As per the latest update, 24K gold is trading near Dh569–Dh570 per gram, which is below the levels seen a day ago when prices had risen sharply. Other categories also followed the same direction: 22K gold is hovering around Dh527, 21K gold is near Dh505, and 18K gold has fallen into the low Dh430 range.The decline follows a strong rally earlier this week, demonstrating how quickly sentiment in the UAE gold market can change in a matter of days.

Why are gold prices falling in Dubai?

The latest decline is largely linked to global market movements, particularly easing geopolitical tensions and changes in investor sentiment. Recent developments, including signs of stabilization in international conflicts and changing demand patterns, have slightly reduced the appeal of gold as a safe haven.At the beginning of the week, there was uncertainty attached middle east Prices had gone high due to tension. But as conditions stabilised, gold prices witnessed a decline, which was reflected in the boom in Dubai’s retail market.Additionally, currency movements and international bullion rates continue to influence local pricing, causing sharp and frequent daily fluctuations.

Gold prices across the country bay

Price fluctuations in Dubai are broadly in line with trends seen in other Gulf countries, where gold rates are also easing after recent highs. In markets such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, gold prices have followed a similar trajectory, reflecting the region’s close alignment with global benchmarks.Although slight variations exist due to currency differences and local pricing structures, the overall direction remains consistent, with a slight decline after a strong upward move at the beginning of the week.

Opportunities for buyers

The Dh4 decline, although minor, is being seen as a potential entry point for buyers who were waiting on the sidelines during the recent surge.Dubai, in particular, continues to attract strong demand from both residents and international visitors, due to its competitive pricing and high purity standards. Even small improvements in price can influence purchasing decisions, especially for jewelry purchases.However, with volatility still high, market watchers remain cautious. Any renewed global uncertainty could push prices higher again, while continued stability could keep them under pressure in the short term.

‘Our priorities are democracy and peace’: Myanmar’s new President Min Aung Hlaing sworn in Normalcy in ASEAN

Myanmar’s newly-sworn President Min Aung Hlaing delivered his first inaugural address to parliament on Friday, saying his government had “many challenges to overcome” and that he would seek to normalize relations with the Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN.“Myanmar is now moving well toward democracy, but the new government has many challenges to overcome,” Min Aung Hlaing said in a speech that lasted less than 20 minutes in the capital Naypyitaw.“Our priorities are democracy and peace,” he said.

‘Enhance international relations’

The former junta chief said his government would work to strengthen Myanmar’s position on the global stage.“We will enhance international relations and strive to restore normal relations with ASEAN,” he said.The coup in 2021 and the ensuing crackdown by the military under the command of Min Aung Hlaing led to the intervention of the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which subsequently barred the junta leadership from attending its summit.

Roadmap based on democracy and federalism

Min Aung Hlaing said his government would focus on promoting foreign investment, developing agriculture and creating effective, long-term strategic plans.“The new government will implement a roadmap based on democracy and federalism,” he said.

Transition from General to President

Min Aung Hlaing was elected president by parliament a week ago, formalizing his grip on political power in war-torn Myanmar five years after he led a coup that plunged the country into chaos.His carefully orchestrated rise from top general to civilian president came after a recent election won by a landslide by a military-backed party, but critics and Western governments derided it as a sham designed to maintain military rule behind the veil of democracy.

Khawaja Asif, Netanyahu (file photo)

A row broke out between Israel and Pakistan after Defense Minister Khawaja Asif posted comments targeting Israel for its military operation in Lebanon, which he later removed amid strong reaction.Israel on Thursday sharply criticized these comments and questioned Pakistan’s credibility as a neutral player in the ongoing regional diplomacy. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office described the comments as “outrageous”, saying, “Pakistan’s Defense Minister’s call for Israel’s destruction is outrageous.”

“This is not a statement that can be tolerated by any government, especially not one that claims to be a neutral arbiter of peace,” it said.The dispute comes at a sensitive moment, when Pakistan is credited with brokering a temporary two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran and preparing to host new peace talks in Islamabad. This episode risks complicating those diplomatic efforts.In now-deleted posts, Assif described Israel as “evil” and a “curse to humanity”, and called for “getting rid of European Jews”. He also linked diplomatic efforts to developments on the ground, saying, “While peace talks are going on in Islamabad, genocide is being carried out in Lebanon”.Asif had said, “Innocent civilians are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran and now Lebanon, the bloodshed continues.” He further said, “I hope and pray that those who have created this cancerous state on Palestinian land will get rid of the European Jews.” [sic] burn in hell.”

Now removed: Khawaja Asif’s X post

Separately, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the comments, calling them a “gross anti-Semitic blood libel” and insisting that Israel will defend itself against those who threaten its existence.Representative Josh Gottheimer, a US representative, also criticized Asif’s remarks, calling it “hateful rhetoric”.