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Director of the Digital Society and Digital Competencies Department at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Duha al-Buhendi, underscored the importance of continuously developing the education system, keeping pace with global trends and figuring out future skills to help empower all segments of society to adopt cutting-edge technology, foremost among them artificial intelligence, while ensuring its safe and responsible use.The official was speaking during her participation in a panel discussion on digital inclusion and human capital, held as part of MWC26 Doha, which is taking place under the theme of the IQ Era from Nov 8 to 10 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).The session, moderated by Executive Producer at Euronews, Leila Hamira, featured a contingent of experts and specialists, including Inclusive Growth and Digital Transformation Team Leader at the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt, Dr Abeer Shakweer; Chief People Officer at VEON, Jameel Asghar; and Founder and CEO of Qatar-based climate-tech startup Vora, Anas Rustom.Al-Buhendi said that modern technology and technological innovations are bringing about fundamental changes in the nature of jobs and working methods, requiring continued study of future skills and the risks accompanying these transformations.She also spotlighted a raft of national initiatives in the State of Qatar, including the Future Skills Observatory, which works to anticipate future jobs and identify expected gaps in the labour market, thereby helping develop more accurate projections of the skills required.Al-Buhendi highlighted that MCIT's programmes aim to bolster digital inclusion and address the needs of various segments of society by embedding technological concepts among children at an early age, providing training and skills development programmes for the workforce to gird it to deal with current and future technologies, and extending support to older people to build their confidence in technology and empower them to use it to make their daily lives easier.The Qatar Government Readiness Academy has successfully trained more than 40,000 government functionaries in emerging technologies to promote innovation in the government sector, while expanding its services to the private sector and startups, recalled al-Buhendi.She also drew attention to SafeSpace, a digital safety platform dedicated to raising awareness of cyber risks and empowering students, parents and teachers to use technology safely.Regarding efforts to empower groups most in need of digital inclusion, al-Buhendi said the Ministry had implemented the digital connection programme in collaboration with several entities. Over the course of a decade, she added, the programme helped train nearly one mn blue-collar workers, while also recycling digital devices to help facilitate their access to essential government services and strengthen their communication with their families.Al-Buhendi concluded by affirming that the State of Qatar bets on the Digital Inclusion Index to identify digital gaps and support workers with lower skill levels, in partnership with the private sector and startups.She stressed that the objective is not limited to helping individuals use technology; it extends to empowering them to participate actively in the digital transformation process and ensuring that no one is left behind. 

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Doha Chapter conducted an online session on ‘Transforming Profession in Digital Era’ with the participation of around 100 members.Chairperson Arun Somanath opened the session and highlighted the increasing relevance of the session theme in today’s rapidly evolving digital environment and its significance for members in staying future-ready.Dayaniwas Sharma, chairman – Digital Accounting and Assurance Board, emphasised ICAI’s proactive role in embracing technological advancements and the importance of continuous upskilling in emerging technologies.He also highlighted ICAI’s contributions through Information Systems Audit and Forensic Standards, along with upcoming initiatives in cybersecurity and the DxFS Conference.Arpit Kabra, vice chairman – Digital Accounting and Assurance Board, underscored the growing importance of cybersecurity awareness and encouraged professionals to consciously integrate technology into practice. He also spoke about evolving benchmarks for next-generation auditors and upcoming knowledge initiatives.Dr Saurabh Maheshwari delivered an in-depth session on opportunities in Digital Personal Data Protection, covering key aspects such as digital data, PII, cyber threats, and the DPDP regulatory framework.He shared practical insights on risk assessment, consent management systems, data lifecycle, and transforming cyber risks into advisory opportunities.Dr Durgesh Pandey focused on opportunities in forensics and investigations, elaborating on the evolving fraud landscape, preventive and detective forensic techniques, and frameworks such as FAIS. He also highlighted the growing scope for Chartered Accountants in the field of forensic services.Vice chairperson Dewaki Nandan concluded the event with a vote of thanks and his expressed sincere appreciation to the speakers.The Doha Chapter continues to remain committed to providing impactful learning platforms and fostering continuous professional development among its members.For further information regarding ICAI Doha Chapter activities and upcoming events, members and aspiring members are invited to connect with Arun Somanath at 55060695 or Dewaki Nandan Tibrewal at 6697 0721. 

The Global South has always been a powerhouse—exporting art, culture, innovation, talent and traditions that shape the world. Yet, in global media, the region’s story has rarely been told on its own terms. Too often, it is filtered through an outside lens, leaving behind a narrative that feels partial: vibrant, perhaps, but missing the everyday nuance, the contradictions, and the modern pulse of lived reality. Often painted with a shade of poverty and outdated tropes. South Era Network was built to close that gap. Launched as a digital-first media ecosystem, the network is not here to translate the South for the world. It is here to let South Asia speak for itself. Launched as a digital-only media network, built with a clear mandate to carry South Asian voices across borders without dilution, the network speaks directly to the global diaspora—communities across North America, Europe, and the Middle East who remain culturally rooted while navigating entirely different realities. This approach is grounded in a recognition of a vast, globally dispersed audience, over 100 million diaspora members and a broader ecosystem of nearly 950 million digital-first, globally connected individuals shaping industries from AI to business and design. At the same time, it addresses global marketing and advertising leaders seeking to understand this audience beyond surface-level stereotypes. For Najib Sabbagh, CEO of the company, the mission is both cultural and commercial. “South Era Network was built to present the Global South with authenticity, dignity, and nuance. This goes beyond trends or fleeting moments: it’s about creating a lasting platform dedicated to genuine storytelling from South Asia for a global audience,”  he says. That dual focus: identity and influence sits at the center of South Era Network’s growing presence. Unlocking the South Asian diasporaThis launch represents more than a cultural evolution; it is a major commercial unlock. The South Asian diaspora is one of the most economically active and highly connected demographics globally. Ali Imran Memon, EVP Growth and Commercial at SEN, estimates over 100 million members of the South Asian diaspora, globally. And that they send over USD 250 billion in annual remittances back home. This economic force contributes to a wider Global South economy estimated at over $23 trillion, underscoring its growing influence on global markets and consumption patterns. “The media industry relies on flat narratives, stereotypes and tropes that simply don't resonate with today's audiences,” says Memon. “People are tuning out of legacy media because they crave authenticity over forced neutrality. You cannot reach this audience with clichés— which is why cultural credibility comes first and foremost at SEN.” This focus also positions the network as a valuable platform for advertisers. Brands seeking to engage diaspora audiences often struggle to find channels that offer both reach and cultural credibility. South Era Network provides both. South Era Network builds its content strategy around this audience’s lived realities. It recognizes that a South Asian professional in Dubai, a second-generation student in London, and a creative entrepreneur in New York may share cultural roots but consume media differently. Programming reflects those differences while maintaining a shared cultural thread. This is reinforced by a diverse content architecture spanning culture and identity, technology and business, politics and society, humor, and human stories, ensuring relevance across multiple audience segments. Bridging Culture and CommerceWhat sets South Era Network apart is its ability to operate at the intersection of culture and commerce without compromising either. The network does not treat advertising as an interruption but as part of the storytelling ecosystem. Campaigns are integrated in ways that feel native to the content, aligning with the values and interests of the audience. This model appeals to global brands navigating an increasingly fragmented media environment. Traditional channels often fail to deliver the cultural specificity needed to engage diverse audiences. South Era Network offers a more targeted alternative, grounded in community insight rather than broad assumptions. The commercial strategy also reflects a broader understanding of influence. Diaspora communities are not only consumers but cultural amplifiers, shaping trends that travel across borders. Engaging them effectively demands relevance. South Era Network’s ability to deliver that relevance makes it a compelling partner for advertisers seeking meaningful engagement. Underpinning this model is a modern production and distribution engine, including AI-driven journalism designed for speed and scale, and the ability to deliver thousands of content pieces weekly across digital, social, and OTT platforms. Building a Cultural EcosystemSouth Era Network’s presence spans LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, creating a connected ecosystem where content flows organically across platforms. Within just two weeks of launch, the network attracted over 100,000 YouTube subscribers and more than one million views, with India quickly emerging as its largest audience, accounting for roughly 40 percent of total viewership. Each platform plays a distinct role, from professional storytelling to entertainment and community engagement, enabling South Era Network to meet audiences wherever they are. This multi-platform strategy is about consistency. The tone, perspective, and cultural grounding remain intact regardless of format, reinforcing the network’s identity. It creates a sense of continuity that strengthens audience loyalty while expanding reach. Supporting this ecosystem is a truly global operational footprint, with studios in Beirut and Islamabad and contributors across major cities including New York, London, Dubai, Delhi, and Los Angeles, ensuring stories are both locally grounded and globally relevant. Momentum continues to build as more viewers and brands recognize the value of a platform that speaks with, rather than about, the South Asian diaspora. “We’re creating a space where culture and conversation intersect,” Memon reflects. “That’s where real engagement happens.” South Era Network is redefining who gets to speak, how stories are told, and who they are meant for. In doing so, it turns the global South from a subject of conversation into its author: confident, connected, and impossible to ignore. 

Santa Claus drove his reindeer-powered sleigh over rooftops around the world on Wednesday, delivering gifts to millions of children in a magic Christmas Eve ritual that North American air defence officials say they began tracking 70 years ago.Still, despite its devotion to a ⁠tradition dating back to the Cold ⁠War era of 1955, the North American Aerospace Defence Command, or NORAD, possesses limited intelligence about the direction that Santa will take in any given year.Santa is not required to file a flight plan.So the only thing NORAD knows for sure in advance is that the red-suited jolly old elf, also known as Kris Kringle or Saint Nicholas, takes off every Christmas Eve from his home base at the North Pole."NORAD tracks Santa, but only Santa knows his route, which means we cannot predict where or when he will arrive at your house," a senior NORAD official said in a press statement.NORAD, a joint US-Canadian military command at Peterson Air ⁠Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has provided images and updates on Santa's worldwide journey for seven decades, along with its main task of monitoring air defences and issuing aerospace and maritime warnings.The Santa tracker tradition originated from a 1955 misprint in a Colorado Springs newspaper of the telephone number of a department store for children to call and speak with Santa.The listed number went to what was then known as the Continental Air Defence Command.An understanding officer took the youngsters' calls and assured them that Santa was airborne and on schedule to deliver presents to good girls and boys – at least those who believe in him – flying aboard his reindeer-powered sleigh.According to its website, NORAD detects Santa's liftoff with its polar radar network, then ⁠follows his journey with the same satellites used to warn of any possible missile launches aimed at North America.As soon as Santa's lead reindeer, Rudolph, switches on his shiny red nose, military personnel can zero in on his location using the satellites' infrared sensors.US President Donald Trump appeared to be following NORAD's Santa tracker on Wednesday as he sat by a Christmas tree at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, fielding telephone calls from children around the country.As he spoke to one youngster from Pennsylvania, Trump said: "So Santa right now is in Copenhagen, Denmark, but he's heading toward our country. What would you like from Santa?"Speaking to another caller, Trump jokingly explained the rationale for tracking Santa in terms of national security, saying: "We want to make sure he's not infiltrated, that we're not infiltrating into our country a bad Santa." 

Holes in the ground, clods of earth next to headstones, dislocated concrete outlines: the Thiaroye military cemetery near Dakar bears the marks of recent excavations meant to unearth the truth behind a WWII-era massacre by French colonial forces. In November 1944, around 1,600 soldiers from several west African countries were sent to the Thiaroye camp after being captured by Germany while fighting for France. Discontent soon mounted over unpaid back pay and unmet demands that they be treated on a par with white soldiers. On December 1, French forces opened fire on them. The circumstances surrounding the massacre, the number ofIsl riflemen killed and their place of burial all remain unclear. An AFP team recently visited the camp's cemetery, where archaeologists are conducting landmark excavations to find and examine the remains of those interred there. **media[382436]** Rows of 202 graves, marked with white headstones and cement demarcations, are covered with shells. It is not known who exactly is in all the graves, or if there are even bodies at each marker. The researchers have so far only been able to excavate a very small percentage of them. The cemetery was created in 1926 by colonial France to bury African soldiers. Some researchers believe that riflemen killed in the Thiaroye massacre were buried there. Unearthed burial containers, since covered in blue plastic, bear testament to the archaeologists' work. Senegal alleges it was difficult to access the French colonial archives to study the massacre in full. This is why Colonel Saliou Ngom, the director of the Senegalese army's archives and historical heritage, believes it was necessary to "make the underground" speak. The archaeologists have so far carried out their initial excavations under one of two large baobabs, enormous trees that can indicate the site of buried bodies. The baobab is "a calcareous tree, that is one that likes limestone", history and geography professor Mamadou Kone, technical adviser to the Armed Forces Museum, told AFP. "Where there are bones, there are often baobabs", he said. The researchers submitted an official report on October 16 to Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye describing the massacre as "premeditated" and covered up, with a death toll that had been grossly underestimated. The French colonial authorities at the time of the massacre said up to 70 World War II riflemen were killed. But the researchers said the most credible estimates put the figure closer to 300 to 400, with some of the men buried in the Thiaroye cemetery. One of the archaeologists who led the dig, Moustapha Sall, explained that seven graves were excavated out of a first group of 34. "Archaeologists found seven skeletons. This is a very important step in the search for historical truth," Colonel Ngom said. According to Sall, "one skeleton contains a bullet in its left side in the location of the heart." "Others lack a spine, ribs or skull. Some individuals are buried with iron chains on their shins," he added. "This means they suffered violence." The graves where the bodies are located are more recent than the remains themselves, Sall added. "One hypothesis is that the graves were made after the (initial) burials or that it was staged to make it appear they had been properly buried," Sall said. The next key step, Sall explained, will be taking DNA samples to help determine the individuals' origins. "The preliminary results do not allow us to answer all the questions," he said. Ballistics experts will additionally provide information on the military equipment, he added. Meanwhile, the Senegalese government has ordered ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to better explore the depths of the cemetery's subsoil. "We have been searching for the historical truth for 81 years," Colonel Ngom said. "If the subsoil provides us with (this truth) there is nothing more significant." President Faye, who has committed to preserving the soldiers' memory, has announced he has approved "the continuation of archaeological excavations at all sites likely to contain mass graves". In November 2024, as the atrocity's 80th anniversary approached, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that French colonial forces had committed a "massacre" in Thiaroye.