To pay tribute to the UAE on the 44th National Day, 6,958 Gems students from 35 schools across the country came together to wish everyone a Happy National Day by forming the world’s largest human sentence.

Validated by Guinness World Records officials, the students gathered together on the sports field of Gems Modern Academy in Dubai, to form the human sentence as teachers guided them to their positions.

“The UAE National Day commemorates the historic union of the seven emirates. It is indeed the perfect time to celebrate the great achievements of the nation,” said Dino Varkey, Group Executive Director and Board Member, Gems Education.

“We want to thank our parents, teachers, students and the authorities for their support and enthusiasm in creating such a memorable occasion.”

The previous record of 6,262 people was set by the Tiens Group of China on May 8, 2015.

Dubai has already announced a mini world park and a mega development that will be home to the wonders of the world. Now, an Indian state is working on building the replica of iconic structures.

In fact, the West Bengal state government is constructing a scale model of the Eiffel Tower near Kolkata as a tribute to the victims of the recent Paris attacks.

The Indian Express newspaper has reported that the tower will be 55-metres high, which is about six times smaller than the iconic 324-metre structure in Paris. The foundation stone for the project, to be built by the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO), will be laid on November 28 at Eco Park.

The tower replica is going to be a part of the “Seven Wonders of the World” theme-park and will have Taj Mahal from India, Christ the Redeemer from Brazil, Chichen Itza from Mexico, the Great Wall of China, Petra in Jordan, Machu Picchu in Peru and the Colosseum in Rome had been chosen.

The replica will have two tiers where tourists can climb up to the observation room, at a height of 25 meters from the ground with an estimated 300 tonnes of steel being utilised for construction, the newspaper said.

Dubai announced a mega project called Falcon City of Wonders, which will feature structures based on the wonders of the world, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Light House of Alexandria.

In April 2015, Emirates 24|7 reported that Dubai Municipality will commence work on a ‘Mini World Park’, designed to showcase replicas of famous monuments from all over the world, after it finalises its location.

The park is the first of its kind in the Arab world and will display monuments such as Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Paris’ Eiffel Tower, New York's Empire State Building, the Canton Tower in China, Toronto's CN Tower, Petronas Tower in Malaysia and the Swiss Re Tower in the City of London.

Internet users in the UAE lost close to Dh5 billion last year as a result of cybercrime and online phishing attacks, a new report from Norton by Symantec has revealed.

The report says almost 2 million internet users from the UAE have been victimised with many of them being direct victims of ransomware. A large majority of them have admitted to paying up ransom to cybercriminals.

The findings of the Norton report that has gone into in-depth analysis of cybercrime across 17 markets including the UAE points out that worldwide the amount lost to cybercriminals last year sands at $150 billion (Dh550.5 billion), more than the combined GDP of Bulgaria, Lebanon and Jordan.

The latest incident in the UAE involves a cybercriminal demanding ransom of almost $3 million from a bank in Sharjah.According to a local media report, hackers have accessed confidential information from the bank and have threatened to release them unless they are paid a ransom of $3 million.

The Norton report also points out that last year UAE consumers lost almost 30 working hours dealing with the consequences of online crime. Putting a value to the loss the report says that It also cost an average of Dh2,331 per person – with UAE respondents losing just under Dh5 billion in total.

More interestingly, the report also co-relates the approach to cybercrime where online users from the UAE appear to be less affected by a cybercrime compared to their global counterparts.

Compared to global counterparts, UAE consumers feel less of an emotional impact – with 42 per cent stating they felt ‘frustrated and annoyed’ following a cyber-breach, compared to the global average of 52 per cent.

“Our findings demonstrate that the reality of cybercrime still hasn’t led to widespread adoption of simple, yet secure protection measures.  As the UAE becomes increasingly mobile savvy, this should be reflected in the approach all generations make to safe-guarding their personal information and their loved ones,” says Tamim Taufiq, Middle East Manager, Norton Business Unit.

The report also compares the cyber behaviour, perception vulnerability and its impact on the younger generation or the Millennials, comparing them to the middle aged Generation X and slightly older generation.

While Millennials are more prone to cyberattack, they appear to be less worried and indifferent compared to the middle aged population.

(Image via Shutterstock)

Bolivian officials say they have arrested two women on human trafficking charges: one for selling her baby for $250 (Dh915), the other for buying it after placing a "want ad" on Facebook.

The top child-protection official in the eastern city of Santa Cruz tells The Associated Press that the buyer was an 18-year-old who presented the 6-week-old girl to a young man who had jilted her, telling him the child was theirs.

The official, Rosy Valencia, says the man called police.

Police presented as evidence on Thursday the Facebook page, no longer active, of the alleged buyer in which the solicitation was made.

Officials say the seller was a 32-year-old sex worker who didn't know the identity of the child's father and sought to recover the cost of the child's birth.

Gold dipped towards its lowest level in nearly six years on Friday and was on track for a sixth straight weekly decline, weakened by a robust dollar and expectations of a US interest rate hike next month.

The dollar is trading near an eight-month high against a basket of major currencies, boosted by euro weakness and prospects of higher US rates.

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to hike US rates for the first time in nearly a decade when it meets next in December.

Investors believe higher rates could dent demand for non-yielding bullion, while boosting the dollar.

"Once again, gold is unable to find a bid. Any small rally that we see is being sold into," said a Sydney-based precious metals trader.

Buying out of top consumer China has been good but has been unable to support prices, the trader said.

Spot gold had fallen 0.4 per cent to $1,067.60 an ounce by 0322 GMT, edging close to $1,064.95 reached last week, the metal's lowest since February 2010.

The metal is down nearly 1 per cent for the week. US gold futures were also headed for a sixth consecutive weekly decline.

Buying in China has picked up in recent days due to the lower prices.

Premiums on the Shanghai Gold Exchange, a proxy for demand in top consumer China, were trading at $5-$6 an ounce, versus $3-$4 at the beginning of the month.   

However, other indicators of physical demand were not upbeat.

India's gold buying in the key December quarter is likely to fall to the lowest level in eight years, hurt by poor investment demand and back-to-back droughts that have slashed earnings for the country's millions of farmers.

China's net gold imports from main conduit Hong Kong fell in October from a 10-month high reached in the previous month, data showed on Thursday.

Investor sentiment was weak with precious metals funds posting their biggest net outflow last week in around four months, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch. (Reuters)

   Gold rates for November 27, 2015

Silver eased 0.4 per cent, after slumping to $13.86 on Monday, the lowest since August 2009. Platinum on Tuesday hit $835.55, its lowest since December 2008.         

The dollar hit an eight-month high on Monday on hopes of a rate hike. A firm greenback makes dollar-denominated commodities more expensive for holders of other currencies.     

Premiums on the Shanghai Gold Exchange, a proxy for physical demand in China, were at $5 an ounce on Tuesday, versus $3-$4 in the beginning of the month.    

Investment demand, however, was lacklustre.     

Assets in SPDR Gold Trust, the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund (ETF), tumbled to 655.69 tonnes on Monday, the lowest since September 2008.    

Holdings of platinum ETFs are at a two-year low, while assets in palladium funds are close to their lowest since April 2014.     
 

DD/TT RATES AT 03.45 PM - 26 Nov 2015

Weekly Gold Rates 

   
Get retail Gold and Forex rates with Emirates 24|7 

Rates will be updated twice daily

Emirates 24|7 brings you the daily Dubai gold rate (22k, 24k, 21k and 18k), as well as currency exchange rates, including the Indian rupee, Pakistani rupee, Philippine peso, Sri Lankan rupee, sterling pound, euro and may more against the UAE dirham (US dollar).

The rates for 24 carat, 22 carat, 21 carat, 18 carat and Ten Tola (TT) Bar (11.6638038 gram) will be updated four times a day to keep them fresh and relevant for buyers of gold bars and gold jewellery in the UAE.

The update times for Retail Gold Rate in Dubai will be at 9.30am, 2.30pm, 5pm and 8pm (unless there is drastic fall or rise in the international rate).

On Saturdays, the gold rates will be updated at 9.30am and this rate will stay static through Saturday and Sunday until the international market reopens on Monday.

Please note that the retailers add making charges separately to the quoted rate of gold.

The Retail Gold Rate in Dubai is being supplied by the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group.

Foreign Exchange Rates

The Foreign Exchange Rates of major currencies will be updated twice each working day at around 8:30am and 3:30pm.

These will cover both the Remittance Rates [for sending money] and the Currency Notes Rates [for buying and selling of currency notes].

The Foreign Exchange Rates are being supplied by UAE Exchange.

Paceman Chris Woakes held his nerve in the final over to give England a hard-fought three-run win in the second Twenty20 international over Pakistan in Dubai on Friday.

Woakes conceded just seven runs in the 20th over to restrict Pakistan to 169-8 and help England defend a 173-run target to give his team an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series at Dubai stadium.

The 24,000 fans, mostly expats from Pakistan, had expected their team to pull off a sensational win after skipper Shahid Afridi smashed a blistering eight-ball 24 with three sixes and a boundary.

But Anwar Ali failed to connect on the last delivery off which Pakistan had needed four for victory.

Afridi took 22 off the 18th over by Woakes but his dismissal on the last ball left Pakistan to score 25 off the last two overs.

Pakistan's batsmen were once again reckless as most of them got good starts but failed to capitalise. Ahmed Shehzad top-scored with an 18-ball 28 with two fours and as many sixes.

Mohammad Hafeez made 25, Raffatullah Mohmand scored 23, Shoaib Malik managed 26 off 21 balls while talented Umar Akmal managed just three and Sohaib Maqsood only two.

England paceman Liam Plunkett bowled with fire and venom to finish with 3-33 while leg-spinner Adil Rashid grabbed 2-18 in his four probing overs.

England won the first match - also in Dubai - by 14 runs. The final match is in Sharjah on Monday.

England were lifted to 172-8 by a quickfire 24-ball 38 by James Vince and 22-ball-33 by skipper Jos Buttler as they upped the tempo by notching 58 in the last five overs.

Leg-spinner Shahid Afridi, who took 3-15 in his four overs, derailed the England batting after they looked well-set at 32-0 in the fourth over.

Afridi trapped Alex Hales leg before for 11 and then had Jason Roy caught behind for 22-ball 29 (two sixes and a four) to leave England at 47-2.

Joe Root made 20 before Buttler and Vince lifted England with a 35-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Afridi returned for his last over to have Vince caught in the deep.

Vince hit two sixes and three boundaries.

His wicket was Afridi's 86th in as many matches, beating countryman Saeed Ajmal (85 wickets in 64 matches) as the highest wicket-taker in all Twenty20 cricket.

Buttler smashed three sixes and a boundary to give England a challenging total to defend.

England, who won the first match by 14 runs in Dubai on Thursday, rested skipper Eoin Morgan in one of four changes to their side.

Pakistan brought back Shehzad and Malik in place of Mohammad Rizwan and Imran Khan Junior.

Thriller

England clinched a thriller to win by three runs in the second Twenty20 International to seal the T20 series 2-0 at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday.

Needing 173 to win, Pakistan rode into contention when skipper Shahid Afridi smashed 24 off just eight deliveries including three sixes and a boundary. But after he succumbed the lower order batsmen could not finish the job as Pakistan lost by three runs.

Ahmed Shehzad (23), Rafatullah Mohmand (23), Mohammad Hafeez (25) and Shoaib Malik (26) all provided good start to the chase.

Earlier batting first, James Vince top scored with 38 while Jos Buttler struck 33 as England reached a challening 172 for eight in 20 overs.

Jason Roy (29) and Joe Root (20) were the other crucial scorers.

For Pakistan, skipper Afridi was the key bowler scalping three wickets in his four overs giving away only 15 runs. Anwar Ali took two.

PAKISTAN INNINGS

Pakistan lose another wicket at a crucial time as Sarfraz is bowled when he attempted to scoop Woakes. Pak 162-8 in 19.1 overs.

Sarfraz Ahmed b Woakes 20 (13b 1x4 0x6)

Big wicket for England as Afridi is out. He was on a rampage hammering 24 off just eight deliveries. England now have the edge. Pak 148-7 in 18 overs.

Shahid Afridi c Plunkett b Woakes 24 (8b 1x4 3x6)

It's a tough one for Pakistan but Afridi is still around. Malik departs scoring a fighting 26 from 21 balls. Pak 120-6 in 16.4 overs.

Shoaib Malik c Billings b Plunkett 26 (21b 1x4 1x6)

Akmal was unlucky as he is given caught behind despite not having a connection with the bat. Akmal clearly not happy there. Pak 107-5 in 14.3 overs.

Umar Akmal c Buttler b Plunkett 3 (5b 0x4 0x6)

Pakistan seem to be losing the advantage as they lose another wicket. Maqsood is bowled by Rashid. Pak 93-4 in 12.3 overs.

Sohaib Maqsood b Rashid 2 (6b 0x4 0x6)

afeez gets a leading edge as England pick their third wicket. Pak 90-3 in 11.2 overs.

Mohammad Hafeez c Willey b Plunkett 25 (20b 3x4 1x6)

England pick their second wicket as Rafatullah Mohmand is out. Pak 60-2 in 8.1 overs.

Rafatullah Mohmand st Buttler b Rashid 23 (24b 3x4 0x6)

Amazing bowling by Parry as he gets Shehzad stumped. Steps out for a big one but misses it completely. Pak 51-1 in 5 overs.

Ahmed Shehzad st Buttler b Parry 28 (18b 2x4 2x6) 

Amazing over for Pakistan as 16 runs come off it. Shehzad on 20 from 13 deliveries. Pak 30-0 in 3 overs.

Shehzad and Fafatullah open for Pakistan. Willey bowls.

ENGLAND INNINGS

Good last over for England getting them 14 runs to reach 172-8 in 20 overs.

There was a drop catch that gave Willey two runs but he was not so lucky the next ball as he offers a simple catch to Maqsood at deep square leg. Eng 154-8 in 18.4 overs. 

David Willey c Sohaib Maqsood b Anwar Ali 4 (5b 0x4 0x6)

Another wicket falls for England as Plunkett edges to the wicket keeper again. Eng 151-7 in 18.1 overs.

Liam Plunkett c Sarfraz Ahmed b Anwar Ali 1 (2b 0x4 0x6)

Big wicket for Pakistan as Buttler was looking dangerous. A thick edge and wicketkeeper makes no mistake. Eng 150-6 in 17.5 overs.

Jos Buttler c Sarfraz Ahmed b Sohail Tanvir 33 (22b 1x4 3x6) 

Awesome catch from Akmal as he manages throw the ball in the air and comes back into the ropes to take a clean catch. Eng 136-5 in 16.3 overs.

Sam Billings c Umar Akmal b Wahab Riaz 11 (9b 0x4 1x6)

Afridi finishes off his four overs leaking just 15 runs and scalping three wickets. 

Afridi picks another wicket as Vince walks back. He was scoring at a quick rate as he offers a high catch to Anwar in the deep. Eng 109-4 in 13.4 overs.

James Vince c Anwar Ali b Shahid Afridi 38 (24b 3x4 2x6)

Two boundaries and a six from Vince England past 100. Eng 106-3 in 13 overs.

Afridi takes a brilliant catch. Timed his jump to perfection as Root departs. Malik picks his first wicket. Eng 74-3 in 10.3 overs.

Joe Root c Shahid Afridi b Shoaib Malik 20 (16b 1x4 1x6)

Vince on 12 and Root on 14 as England reach 68 for two halfway into the innings. 

Afridi is on a high as he gets another big wicket. Roy was looking confident as he departs attempting a slog and bottom edging it to the wicket keeper. Eng 47-2 in 6.4 overs.

Jason Roy c Sarfraz Ahmed b Shahid Afridi 29 (22b 1x4 2x6)

Roy reaches 28 from 19 balls including two sixes and a boundary. Eng 45-1 in 6 overs.

Afridi picks wicket off his first ball. Brilliant stuff from the skipper as England suffer their first loss. Eng 32-1 in 4.1 overs

Alex Hales lbw b Shahid Afridi 11 (11b 1x4 0x6)

England are 11 for no loss in two overs.

Roy and Hales open for England as Anwar starts the proceedings for Pakistan.

England won the toss and elect to bat. Afridi agrees he will be under pressure having lost the first Twenty20 last night.

PLAYING XI

England: Jason Roy, Alex Hales, James Vince, Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Sam Billings, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, Stephen Parry.

Pakistan: Rafatullah Mohmand, Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, Anwar Ali, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz

PREVIEW

Pakistan will seek to bounce back and level the T20 series against England in the second match at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday.

Sam Billings played an inspired innings to help England to a comfortable 14-run victory in the first match on Thursday.

Billings smashed 53 off 25 balls to lift England to a competitive total of 160 for five on a slow pitch and Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals in their reply.

Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi was hopeful Shoaib Malik would be fit to play.

Pakistan were forced to leave out all-rounder Malik with a finger injury and opener Ahmed Shehzad with an upset stomach.

Mohmand was handed his Twenty20 debut, becoming the oldest player from a Test playing country to make his debut in the shortest format at 39 years 20 days.

Rachel Weisz has confessed she was left with tears in her eyes when she met Britain's Duchess of Cambridge at the royal premiere of 'SPECTRE' in London last month.

The 'Bourne Legacy' actress met Duchess Catherine when she supported her husband Daniel Craig at the royal premiere for 'SPECTRE' last month in London and admits the 33-year-old royal's kind words left her with tears in her eyes.

She recalled: "She [Catherine] turned to me just as she was leaving and said, 'I bet you're glad to have him home.'

"My eyes filled with tears cause that's exactly what I was feeling."

However, the 45-year-old beauty had a bit more of a comical encounter with Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge as she didn't have time to dry her hands before she shook hands with the 33-year-old royal.

Speaking on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, she said: "The guy in charge of the princes was like, 'The Prince is coming! The Prince is coming!' So I didn't have time to dry my hands.

"So I curtseyed and I said, 'Oh good evening, your Royal Highness. It's such a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry my hands are wet, I just washed them and I didn't have time to dry them.

"He looked at me and said, 'Well, at least they're clean!' He just made me feel so good. They make you feel very special. They're really good."

Actress Karisma Kapoor and estranged husband Sunjay Kapur had filed a mutual consent divorce petition in Mumbai's Family Court and were to end their 12 year old marriage before the end of 2014.

And since, they are unable to reach a consensus, both the parties decided to withdraw the joint petition for divorce.

The court will decide after speaking to Sunjay. Karisma, who was present in the court went through a long counselling session behind closed doors.

Mid Day reports that Karisma and Sunjay have been arguing about is the terms of a Trust being set up for the welfare of their two children, Samaira and Kiaan Raj Kapoor.

Sunjay doesn't want to handover the control of the Trust to Karisma. As a result, Karisma is not giving Sunjay access to their children.

Karisma and Sunjay tied the knot in September 2003.

Preity Zinta getting married... soon?

Sanskriti Media and Entertainment

In the latest wedding buzz, Bollywood's dimpled girl Preity Zinta is all set to marry, according to the reports.

Though the actress herself has denied the news, Times Of India has reported that sources close enough to the actress have confirmed that she's about to fly to USA in January 2016.

AFP

There, she'll be getting married to her American boyfriend, Gene Goodenough at a small and intimate ceremony.

The two have been going steady for a while now and it was Gene who stood by Preity throughout her problems with her ex-boyfriend Ness Wadia.

Katrina doesn't like talking about Salman

Salman and Katrina promote 'Ek Tha Tiger'. (Supplied)

Katrina Kaif, who is Ranbir Kapoor's girlfriend, feels that it would be disrespecting her 'existing relationship' if she talks in public about her ex-boyfriend Salman Khan.

During an appearance on Niranjan Iyengar's talk show 'Look Who's Talking with Niranjan', Katrina was asked about her relationship with the 'Dabangg' actor.

AFP

Katrina replied: "He is an amazing person and everyone in and out of the industry knows that. His parents and family treated me like a daughter always. But it does not seem respectful to my existing relationship if I talk about Salman or his family in the media; hence I choose not to mostly."

On being asked about her 'existing relationship' and her marriage plans with Ranbir, she said: 'Ranbir is my all-time friend'.

Shah Rukh to bring Parineeti, Alia together?

According to rumours Shah Rukh Khan is going to produce a female oriented flick starring Alia Bhatt and Parineeti Chopra in the lead.

The film is said to be directed by Farah Khan, who has been holed out in Goa for some time now working on her script.

 Farah is considering Parineeti and Alia to star in her two heroine drama flick.

Farah has also revealed that Shah Rukh will be producing her next project.

Parineeti had a rough 2014 with back to back flops like 'Daawat-e-Ishq' and 'Kill Dil' while Alia has been giving one hit after another until 'Shaandaar'.

The two girls have been often pitted against each other and it will be interesting to see how things work out in this chick-flick.

Salman talks about rumoured girlfriend Iulia

AFP

The grapevine has always been abuzz with talks of Salman Khan and Romanian TV personality Iulia Vantur being in a relationship.

And some time back, there was a rumour doing the rounds that Salman is secretly engaged to Iulia.

AFP

But later the actor rubbished all the rumours by saying, "There is a lot of buzz about a lot of things about me, which is never true. Yes, I read what is written, hear what is said, and my right answer to your question would be that I am indifferent to all of it. The small things don't bother me at all, but they bother my parents. And that really bothers me."

Salman has always been linked to leading ladies such as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Katrina Kaif.

But the actor is still unmarried and always laughs it off when he is asked about his marriage.

Yuvraj Singh, Hazel ready for marriage?

(AFP)

Before the dust could settle around the big fat Indian wedding of cricketer Harbhajan Singh and actress Geeta Basra, cricketer Yuvraj Singh and actress Hazel Keech's marriage rumours is creating a buzz in the gossip columns.

It is an open secret that Yuvraj and Hazel are a couple and the two attended Harbhajan's wedding together.

Indian media also reported that the couple will be formally engaged by the end of November and wedding will be held in February 2016.

Facebook

The cricketer's tongue-in-cheek reply to these rumours has put all speculations to an end.

The all-rounder took to Twitter to deny reports about his 'impending wedding'. He wrote, "So now my dear media has decided the venue and month of my marriage can u also tell me the dates so I can get ready well in time!"

Yuvraj had previously dated Bollywood actress Kim Sharma and was also linked with Deepika Padukone.

Shah Rukh Khan shows his 'love bite'

Twitter

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is back on the sets of Rohit Shetty's 'Dilwale' after his birthday celebrations and apparently the actor got into a bit of trouble.

The actor got in a 'pub brawl' which resulted in a bruise on his arm.

Shah Rukh posted a picture of his 'pretty and pink love-bite' explaining that since he is the 'romantic hero' and all that, even his injuries reflect the same.

Looks like the actor shot for a bar fight scene for 'Dilwale' and got this bruise.

He tweeted, "My love bite from a bar fight. Being a romantic hero even my injuries look…well…pretty & pink! From sets of #Dilwale."

Are Hrithik, Kangana avoiding each other?

Sanskriti

Rumours of a fling between Hrithik Roshan and Kangana Ranaut was the talk of the town till they decided to part ways.

The 'Queen' actress was rumoured to have ended the relationship as Hrithik was not ready to take it forward.

It was also speculated that perhaps they had a bitter break-up.

Sanskriti

The two actors, who worked together in 'Krrish 3', are till conscious of prying eyes. During the opening ceremony of ongoing MAMI film festival they avoided each other like the plague.

Though they had a common group of friends at the event, the two stars never mingled with them together.

Sanskriti

They did pose for a group picture and maintained a distance between them - much to their relief.

While Hrithik was seen chatting up with Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif and Aditya Roy Kapoor, Kangana was seated far away. However, as soon as Hrithik left the gang, Kangana joined the others and chatted away.

Deepika trying to follow Priyanka Chopra?

In this file photograph taken on April 28, 2015, Indian Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone poses during a promotional event ahead of the forthcoming Hindi film ‘Piku’ in Mumbai. AFP

Deepika Padukone is keen on doing Hollywood films and wants to explore to work in the West.

During the ongoing Jio MAMI festival the actress said that she is interested in doing Hollywood films and is ready to explore work opportunities.

Deepika was earlier offered a role in 'Furious 7' which she had to decline due to her commitment to 'Ram Leela' promotions.

Priyanka Chopra poses for a photograph during the 'Star Guild Awards 2015'. (AFP)

As she gears up for two back-to-back releases, Deepika said if something interesting comes her way she will definitely take it up.

Actors like Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have made appearances in Hollywood projects.

Priyanka is the first female actor from India to play lead in a US TV series. The actor is playing the role of Alex Parrish, a rookie FBI recruit with a mysterious past in 'Quantico'.

Anushka not ready to marry Virat

Last weekend, Anushka Sharma was spotted out with boyfriend Virat Kohli and her father on what was rumoured to be a house-hunting spree.

A report in mid-day quotes a source as saying, "Anushka and Virat have been open about their relationship because they are sure about taking it to the marriage altar. Their families will meet soon and decide the wedding date. In all likelihood, they will get hitched early next year."

But the actress isn't getting married any time soon, insists a statement on behalf of the 'Dil Dhadakne Do' star, seemingly impelled by reports in the press of a possible 2016 wedding to cricketer Virat Kohli.

The statement reads: "There is no truth to the stories/rumours about Anushka Sharma's impending wedding. Currently she is busy and happy with her work commitments. She has always been open about her life and would appreciate it and request everyone to wait for her to make announcements about her life instead of speculating."

Deepika, Ranbir's chemistry made Katrina insecure?

Actress Katrina Kaif has not asked filmmaker Anurag Basu to 'fire up' her chemistry with boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor in their upcoming comedy-drama film 'Jagga Jasoos', said her spokesperson.

(AFP)

Katrina is reportedly worried about Ranbir's chemistry with his former girlfriend, actress Deepika Padukone's in upcoming film 'Tamasha'.

"These rumours are clearly someone's imagination running wild. Though this makes fodder for gossip, it is categorically and entirely untrue. These stories are misleading to the audience and fans in general. Such idle gossip is really avoidable and childish," Katrina's spokesperson said in a statement.

Deepika and Ranbir are returning on the silver screen together after two years in filmmaker Imtiaz Ali's 'Tamasha', which is slated to release on November 26 in UAE.

Sanskriti Media and Entertainment

Meanwhile, 'Jagga Jasoos', which is slated to release in June next year, will feature the couple after 2010's 'Raajneeti'.

2015 Black Friday fights: 6 minutes of madness

Qatar has banned contractors from leaving the oil-rich country as it carries out a probe into how heavy rains damaged buildings and roadways.

An article late Friday on the state-run Qatar News Agency announced the travel ban.

It said "owners of companies, contractors and consulting engineers" would be banned from traveling abroad until the end of the probe.

A year's worth of rain on Wednesday deluged Doha's Hamad International Airport, the home of Qatar Airways, pouring through at least one part of the roof. The airport cost at least $15 billion to build.

Rainwater also flooded streets and shut down some stores in Doha.

Qatar has seen a boom in construction ahead of hosting the 2022 Fifa World Cup.

   Gold rates for November 28, 2015

DD/TT RATES AT 010.30 AM - 28 Nov 2015

Weekly Gold Rates 

   
Get retail Gold and Forex rates with Emirates 24|7 

Rates will be updated twice daily

Emirates 24|7 brings you the daily Dubai gold rate (22k, 24k, 21k and 18k), as well as currency exchange rates, including the Indian rupee, Pakistani rupee, Philippine peso, Sri Lankan rupee, sterling pound, euro and may more against the UAE dirham (US dollar).

The rates for 24 carat, 22 carat, 21 carat, 18 carat and Ten Tola (TT) Bar (11.6638038 gram) will be updated four times a day to keep them fresh and relevant for buyers of gold bars and gold jewellery in the UAE.

The update times for Retail Gold Rate in Dubai will be at 9.30am, 2.30pm, 5pm and 8pm (unless there is drastic fall or rise in the international rate).

On Saturdays, the gold rates will be updated at 9.30am and this rate will stay static through Saturday and Sunday until the international market reopens on Monday.

Please note that the retailers add making charges separately to the quoted rate of gold.

The Retail Gold Rate in Dubai is being supplied by the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group.

Foreign Exchange Rates

The Foreign Exchange Rates of major currencies will be updated twice each working day at around 8:30am and 3:30pm.

These will cover both the Remittance Rates [for sending money] and the Currency Notes Rates [for buying and selling of currency notes].

The Foreign Exchange Rates are being supplied by UAE Exchange.

Passengers who ran from a British Airways flight that caught fire in September before takeoff in Las Vegas are suing the plane's manufacturer and the maker of the engines.
 
London-based Stewarts Law said Friday it filed a lawsuit in Chicago against GE Aviation and Boeing Co. on behalf of 65 passengers who were bound for London and say they suffered physically and emotionally.
 
The Boeing 777-200 was moments from takeoff at McCarran International Airport on September 8 before what would have been a 10-hour journey when its left engine burst into flames sending smoke billowing and passengers fleeing.
 
All 157 passengers and 13 crew members on board the plane survived.
 
The firm's partner James Healy-Pratt noted in a statement that the passengers don't begrudge British Airways for the incident, saying ‘the pilots and cabin crew performed heroically in guiding the aircraft to an emergency stop’, and evacuating everyone on board.
 
The National Transportation Safety Board has been investigating the cause but initial findings indicated the fire started with a spool, a key part that powers the plane, inside the left engine.
 
The lawsuit claims the plane was "defective and unreasonably dangerous," the companies knew the parts were prone to "fracture and failure," and that GE Aviation lobbied against more stringent inspections of the engines before the fire.
 
The law firm's statement announcing the lawsuit notes a Federal Aviation Administration directive from 2011 that warned of cracks in weld joints of compressor fan spools in similar engines, but GE Aviation has said the directive didn't apply to the engine that burst into flames because it had different parts and an arrangement.
 
Boeing spokesman Tom Kim said the company doesn't comment on pending litigation.
GE Aviation spokesman Rick Kennedy said the company hadn't seen the lawsuit and wouldn't comment until it did. The company has been inspecting 38 other spools of a similar age and planned to inspect working engines, as well. The company has said the Las Vegas incident was the first engine failure of its kind.
 
He said the GE90 engine model "is among the most reliable jet engines in commercial aviation history. We continue to monitor and analyze the daily performance of more than 2,000 GE90 engines in airline service and we are not aware of any issues that would hazard the safe flight of aircraft powered by those engines."
The majority of the suing passengers are British but at least six are Americans and several others are from Ireland. Healy-Pratt said he expects the number of plaintiffs to grow to 100 passengers.

 

The colours of 5 of the world's continents are taking over Mohammed Bin Rashid Blvd. #ParadeDowntown #UAE44 #UAENationalDay #DowntownDubai

A video posted by Downtown Dubai (@downtowndubai) on Nov 28, 2015 at 3:32am PST

 

6 continents participating in the #UAE44 celebrations #ParadeDowntown #MBRBlvd

A video posted by Downtown Dubai (@downtowndubai) on Nov 28, 2015 at 4:26am PST

 

Let the riders ride! #ParadeDowntown #UAE44 #MyDubai

A video posted by Downtown Dubai (@downtowndubai) on Nov 28, 2015 at 4:35am PST

 

Nothing like the beauty of #Arabian horses. #UAE44 #ParadeDowntown #MBRBlvd #MyDubai

A video posted by Downtown Dubai (@downtowndubai) on Nov 28, 2015 at 3:56am PST

 

@xdubai are so sleek! #ParadeDowntown #MBRBlvd #UAE44 #mydubai

A video posted by Downtown Dubai (@downtowndubai) on Nov 28, 2015 at 3:49am PST

 

The UAE government entities opened the #ParadeDowntown with their heads up high proudly celebrating #UAE44 #MyDubai #MBRBlvd

A video posted by Downtown Dubai (@downtowndubai) on Nov 28, 2015 at 3:13am PST

 

#Africa is drumming up the excitement for #ParadeDowntown join us to watch it all from 3-5pm on #MBRBlvd #UAE44

A video posted by Downtown Dubai (@downtowndubai) on Nov 28, 2015 at 1:22am PST

 

Happy National Day #UAE44 #ParadeDowntown

A video posted by Downtown Dubai (@downtowndubai) on Nov 28, 2015 at 3:17am PST

A colourful spectacle that underlines the values of solidarity and brotherhood, and defines the UAE as ‘Home to the World’ will be part of Dubai-based Emaar Properties’ salute to the nation on the occasion of the 44th UAE National Day.
 
The Parade – Downtown Dubai has kicked off and is a compelling tribute to the nation, its leadership and the thriving city of Dubai, which is home to over 200 nationalities, the master developer said in a statement.
 
How to watch, where to park
 
The Parade – Downtown Dubai, UAE National Day, is open to the public.
 
The annual event kicked off along Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard at 3pm. Visitors will be able to park at the underground car parks on Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard or they can access the venue by Dubai Metro.
 
An air-conditioned travellator links the Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall Station to Downtown Dubai.
Emaar said it is working with all concerned government entities to ensure smooth vehicular traffic and effortless access for people.
 
The company said that Downtown Dubai, its flagship mega-development, will “come alive with an unprecedented line-up of balloons, floats and performances.”
 
UAE: Home to the World
 
In line with its theme, ‘Home to the World,’ The Parade – Downtown Dubai will highlight the landmarks, cultures and entertainment from around the world.
 
 
Parade Highlights
 
A key attraction will be a light metal globe emblazoned with the words, ‘Home to the World,’ taking centre-stage. The participants will be dressed in UAE National flag colours.
 
Floats and entertainment performances representing the main five continents of the world, namely Asia, Europe, America, Africa and Australasia will follow. Each continent will be depicted by an opening balloon with a representative theme, a closing balloon and a float that features its iconic monuments.
 
Highlighting the cultures and traditions of different countries, the parade will see an array of dancers and performers including Chinese dragon dancers, Irish tap-dancers, cowboy dancers, African drummers, stilt walkers and kangaroo mascots among others.

McDonald's Mexico says it will prosecute whoever planted a rodent's head in one of its hamburgers, causing authorities to close down one of its restaurants near Mexico City.
 
A company statement says it will hire the best investigation firm to find the identity of the person responsible for what it calls "a serious attack against the (restaurant's) image."
 
The statement, distributed through social media this week, says government testing proved the mouse was not cooked with the hamburger.
 
The Federal Commission for Protection Against Sanitary Risks would not comment on the testing, but referred The Associated Press to media interviews by a commissioner who confirmed that no rodent meat was found.
 
A man complained November 9 that he found a mouse's head in his hamburger in the store in Tlalnepantla.
 

Colombo - A man, who was said to be a cook, had been arrested from a woman’s hostel at Avissawella industrial zone by police on Monday (23) for embracing and harassing a young woman, while hiding inside a bathroom naked, ‘Lankadeepa’ reported.

The suspect, while lingering near a garment factory in the zone, had tried to chat with the victim as she came out after work and later sneaked into the hostel, police investigations revealed.

Then he had waited naked inside the bathroom for her and a few minutes later as she came there he embraced her.

Police said when she screamed and the suspect had attempted to close her mouth but failing escaped when other young women from the hostel gathered.

Investigations disclosed that the suspect had two wives and is a father of four children.

He has been arrested from his home in Thudagama, Avissawella upon information given by the victim.

The suspect was due to be produced before Avissawella court while investigations continue.

Wife reappears after 10 years

A woman, who had suddenly disappeared having gone abroad for employment after handing over her 8-month-old baby to husband, reappeared after 10 years with her paramour.

When she had been standing near a lottery selling booth in Nugegoda, a resident from Bokkegama in Panadura informed her relatives and upon a complaint lodged by them the parties were summoned by police.

Investigations revealed that the woman, who had gone to work in the Middle East as a maid, had inquired about her child frequently over the phone while sending money to her husband.

The child is now 11-years-old, and about three days ago, the husband got the message that his wife was seen in Nugegoda.

When the husband arrived in Nugegoda he was surprised to see his wife with another man inside the lottery booth.

She said she came back to Sri Lanka after two years and married her second husband.

A police officer said that she did not even turn back and look at her daughter while leaving the police station with her paramour, holding his hand.
 

A report published in 999 Magazine ­– the official English monthly of the Ministry of Interior – reveals that noise pollution is fast becoming a serious social issue in the cities of the UAE. 

Lt. Colonel Awadh Saleh Al Kindi, Editor-in-Chief of 999, said: "More than 200 different nationalities co-exist peacefully in the UAE and to maintain this, it is essential for residents to be considerate towards their neighbours and avoid unnecessarily loud noise that is unhealthy for themselves as well as the community.”

Quoting Abu Dhabi’s Environment Health and Safety Management System (EHSMS), the 999 report says domestic activity resulting in excess noise which has an adverse impact on the peace of the neighbourhood should not be undertaken except between 7am to 8pm on working days; and between 9am to 7pm on weekends and public holidays.

Hence, making excess noise after 8pm on a working day or after 7pm on weekends of public holidays could land you in serious trouble.

In case of noisy neighbours, the report suggests that the problem is first discussed in a friendly and non-aggressive way.

“If that fails tell them politely that you will report the problem to Abu Dhabi Municipality. If that fails, you can call the Abu Dhabi Municipality on 02-678-8888. If a situation turns adverse, you can call the police authorities,” the report states.

The March edition of the magazine also warns residents of the danger of extreme noise-related stress, highlights what the country’s rules say about this, and offers tips on how to address the issue.

Noise pollution is defined as the “excessive, upsetting human, animal or machine-created environmental noise that disrupts the activity, balance or harmony of normal life”.

In the UAE, the most common sources of noise pollution are road traffic, construction sites, construction equipment, airplanes, loud music and televisions, garbage trucks, machinery and generators.

Guidelines produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) say that, for good sleep, nighttime sound levels should not exceed 30 decibels for continuous background noise or 45 decibels for individual noise events. Industry estimates however show that some construction sites produce more than 70 decibels.

According to the report, noise pollution can cause people debilitating anxiety, sleep deprivation, frustration and anger.

The ‘999’ magazine is part of the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of the Interior to encourage public to contribute to the reduction of crime in the UAE.

McDonald's Mexico says it will prosecute whoever planted a rodent's head in one of its hamburgers, causing authorities to close down one of its restaurants near Mexico City.
 
A company statement says it will hire the best investigation firm to find the identity of the person responsible for what it calls "a serious attack against the (restaurant's) image."
 
The statement, distributed through social media this week, says government testing proved the mouse was not cooked with the hamburger.
 
The Federal Commission for Protection Against Sanitary Risks would not comment on the testing, but referred The Associated Press to media interviews by a commissioner who confirmed that no rodent meat was found.
 
A man complained November 9 that he found a mouse's head in his hamburger in the store in Tlalnepantla.
 

A Saudi woman decided to choose her eye lenses over her new husband after she insisted on a divorce when he told her not to use eye lenses.

The husband, also a Saudi, told his wife to take off her eye lenses and not use them against just a month after they married in the capital Riyadh, but the wife rejected his request and asked for a divorce on the grounds she does not want to have any conditions.

“The wife considered her husband as a man who makes conditions and insisted on a divorce.

“The husband considered his wife as a woman who prefers artificial beauty and that she needs to learn how to carry out her duty for her husband. He accepted her request and divorced her,” ‘Sada’ newspaper said.
 

Dubai Police advised people to avoid posting their daily activities and routines on social media. This is so to avoid being targeted by criminals, or those who may be monitoring their lives closely for various reasons.

Speaking to Emirates 24|7, Lt. Col. Ahmed Al Muhairi, Head of the General Department of Forensic Science and Criminology of Dubai Police said today, people’s privacy has been breached, and it is done by themselves.

“Today, most people post their daily activities on social media. They post where they have breakfast, which clubs they go to, where they live, what jewellery or other expensive things they buy.

“Not only this, the problem is that some parents post pictures of their children, and also the school they go to, their class teachers and friends, as well as all the activities which their kids do after school and on weekly basis.”

Lt. Col. Al Muhairi added that this is not good as one should keep their personal life away from strangers.

“Problem on social media is that you don’t know who is monitoring your life, and who might take advantage of these information and harm you or you families.

“We heard of a case which took place in the US where a woman was posting her daily activities and then one day, a thief broke into her house and robbed her while she was in the club. And she is to be blamed as she gave the thief all the information about her life and made his job easier to rob her while she was away.”

He added that one should be smart while dealing with social media as you are dealing with strangers from all over the world.

“One should keep his life private and especially parents, should not post their kids’ personal details or information about their schools and activities after school. This is to prevent being targeted by suspected criminals.”

 

The Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat) is offering free WiFi for their mobile phone customers in the UAE from December 1 to 5 in major shopping centres and restaurants which have good Internet connection speeds.

According to a report in the Arabic language daily newspaper Al Bayan, Etisalat is making this offer as part of the UAE’s 44th National Day celebrations.

"The company will allow subscribers of e-life (which brings together TV, Internet and landline) to watching 44 movies free (video on demand),” a statement from Etisalat said.

Subscribers will also be able to watch free programmes of several TV stations for four days from November 30 to December 3, 2015.