OSCAR-WINNING director Ang Lee’s new epic “Life of Pi” showcases the relationship between a teenage Indian boy and a Bengal tiger. But in reality, the predators are under increasing threat from humans.
Poaching remains a tremendous danger for the remaining feline population, with rising demand for tiger parts from East Asia, especially China where tiger bone is used in traditional medicines, experts say.
Rising man-animal conflict is also one of the leading causes of decline in tiger numbers.
Animal rights group PETA is hoping to use the popularity of the film to focus people’s attention on the real-life plight of Bengal tigers.
“Life of Pi is a work of fiction, but in real life, there are threats to animals in their natural habitat that must be addressed,” said Manilal Valliyate, director of veterinary affairs at PETA-India.
India is home to 1,706 tigers according to the latest census, almost half of the worldwide population. But that figure is a fraction of the 40,000 that roamed the country in 1947 at the time of the country’s independence.
In one of numerous reported attacks on the endangered big cats, villagers near the Bangladesh-India border bludgeoned a tiger to death earlier this month after it strayed from the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest.
Armed with sticks and boat oars, the angry crowd set upon the animal which was suspected to have attacked a local fisherman.
Despite tiger numbers still falling and campaigns in India and Bangladesh to protect the animal, conflicts with humans often prove fatal for one of nature’s most fabled beasts.
“The first instinct when a tiger is spotted is to just kill it,” laments Gurmeet Sapal, a wildlife filmmaker based in New Delhi.
“The feeling of fear and retribution is so strong that it shuts out any other emotion. What we don’t realize is that the tiger never attacks humans until it is forced to,” Sapal told AFP.
In Lee’s movie, the protagonist Pi is forced to share a lifeboat with the tiger after a shipwreck kills his family after they set out for Canada from India, accompanied by animals from the zoo they ran.
Pi is initially nervous, but tries to train the cat in the hope it will not kill him as long as he keeps its hunger at bay.
The relationship that gradually develops between them over the 227 days they spend together on the lifeboat endears both the characters to the audience.
India has been struggling to halt the tiger’s decline in the face of poachers, international smuggling networks and the loss of habitat which encourages the animals to leave the forest in search of food.
So far this year, 58 tiger deaths have been reported in the country, according to Tigernet, the official database of the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
“The tiger’s prey base has been rapidly depleting because we have been eyeing his resources. The predator has to make a lot of effort to get its food,” said Mayukh Chatterjee, a conservationist with Wildlife Trust of India.
“In such a scenario, livestock and human beings become easy prey for the tiger and lead inevitably to conflict,” he told AFP.
Filmmaker Sapal says it is only normal for people to think of the tiger as a dangerous animal, but its image as a voracious killer is misplaced.
“Tigers never kill for sport. They don’t store meat in the deep-fridge. They kill their prey only when they are hungry,” he said.
“If we can make people understand the importance of the tiger in our food chain and ecosystem, we would have won half the battle.”
The other half — against poachers greedy for tiger parts — can only be won with constant monitoring and patrolling, says Belinda Wright, director of the non-profit Wildlife Protection Society of India.
“The tragedy is tigers are more valued dead than alive by wildlife criminals,” Wright told AFP.
“There no longer should be any compromise on our conservation efforts if we want these magnificent creatures to survive.”
‘Life of Pi’ shows bond, but tigers face human threat
‘Life of Pi’ shows bond, but tigers face human threat
First-ever 5G SA indoor coverage trial held in Saudi Arabia
- Dr. Khalid Al-Mashouq, CEO of ACES NH, said: “With Nokia’s ready and innovative indoor portfolio we can give building owners a single, future-proof solution while operators gain rapid, capital-light expansion
Nokia, together with Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission, local neutral host specialist ACES NH and service providers Mobily and Zain Saudi, has completed industry-first pilot deployment of 5G standalone indoor coverage using sharable indoor spectrum on the 4.0-4.1 GHz band and active sharing techniques. For the first time, every mobile operator in the Kingdom can deliver gigabit-class 5G inside low- to medium-traffic buildings through a single, cost-optimized system, eliminating the need for duplicate equipment and 4G anchors while cutting deployment costs by more than 60 percent. The proof-of-concept underscores how Nokia’s Shikra radio portfolio and multi‑operator core network software uniquely unlock spectrum-efficient, multi-operator 5G for private wireless and public networks alike.
FASTFACT
For the first time, every mobile operator in the Kingdom can deliver gigabit-class 5G inside low- to medium-traffic buildings through a single, cost-optimized system, eliminating the need for duplicate equipment and 4G anchors.
This innovative solution was recently recognized by the Small Cell Forum, receiving the Small Cells World Summit 2025 Award for “Outstanding Progress in Enabling Neutral Host and Multi-Operator Business Models.”
Mobile data traffic per smartphone is projected to escalate from 29 GB per month in 2024 to 54 GB per month by 2030. Although 80 percent of mobile traffic is generated indoors, conventional distributed antenna systems often dedicate separate hardware and spectrum to each operator, driving up CAPEX and energy use. By using sharable indoor spectrum on the 4.0-4.1 GHz band in combination with 5G SA active sharing, the pilot demonstrates fair access for all operators while accelerating coverage in business districts, giga-projects, and public venues. Early cost modeling by Nokia and ACES shows a further 47 percent saving when 4G anchoring is removed, making 5G SA “greenfield indoor” sites commercially viable from Day 1.
Mufarreh J. Al-Nahari, deputy governor of studies and innovation at the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, said: “This collaboration demonstrates how innovative regulatory practices, vendor expertise and local partners can together deliver reliable, high-quality 5G for enterprises and consumers. We look forward to scaling the model across the Kingdom.”
Mikko Lavanti, senior vice president for mobile networks, MEA at Nokia, said: “Sharable indoor spectrum gives stakeholders a powerful new tool to boost indoor 5G adoption without complex auctions or spectrum refarming.
Our Shikra pico radios and true 5G SA active sharing software prove that one neutral host system can serve every operator with carrier-grade performance, cutting both cost and carbon emissions per gigabyte.”
Dr. Khalid Al-Mashouq, CEO of ACES NH, said: “With Nokia’s ready and innovative indoor portfolio we can give building owners a single, future-proof solution while operators gain rapid, capital-light expansion. It’s a win for everyone in the 5G ecosystem.”
Alaa Malki, chief technology officer at Mobily, said: “Enhancing customer experience and optimizing network performance in indoor environments are core to Mobily’s strategic priorities. Our active participation in this pioneering initiative reflects our commitment to driving innovation, operational efficiency, and scalable 5G solutions. By advancing shared infrastructure models, we are reinforcing Mobily’s leadership in shaping the future of telecommunications in the Kingdom and accelerating the realization of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation goals.”
Mohammed Al-Nujaidi, chief technology officer at Zain KSA, said: “Pioneering future-ready shareable network models that unlock scalable, high-performance connectivity is part of Zain KSA’s commitment to driving the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure. By enabling seamless digital access and significantly enhancing the customer experience, this initiative plays a pivotal role in advancing and accelerating the Kingdom’s digital transformation journey and smart infrastructure development for a knowledge-based society and digital economy.”
Nokia’s Shikra pico solutions for the 4.0 GHz band are compact, low-power remote radios that blanket multistory buildings with uniform mid-band 5G coverage. Leveraging 5G standalone MOCN active sharing, a single RAN and core slice can serve multiple operators at once, boosting spectral efficiency and streamlining operations. The platform is also private wireless ready: the very same infrastructure can host dedicated enterprise 5G cores, delivering secure Industry 4.0 and campus network services alongside public connectivity.
Huawei taps into MENA digital powerhouses to boost in-car content
- Anghami has a long-standing partnership with Huawei. In 2020, Anghami completed the integration of Huawei Mobile Services and collaborated with Huawei AppGallery to promote and expand the Middle East and Africa market
Huawei Consumer Cloud Services signed two MoUs with the Middle Eastern music streaming platform Anghami and the Arabic news platform Nabd, during the 2025 Huawei Developer Conference. These partnerships enrich the ecosystem capabilities of Huawei HMS for Car and provide localized informative and entertaining content service solutions for global automakers.
As the leading music streaming platform in MENA with more than 57 million tracks, Anghami brings strong regional expertise and deep understanding of local listening preferences. Through this new partnership, Anghami will now deliver its content via HMS for Car, helping automakers offer a rich and relevant in-car music experience tailored for the local market.
Anghami has a long-standing partnership with Huawei. In 2020, Anghami completed the integration of Huawei Mobile Services and collaborated with Huawei AppGallery to promote and expand the Middle East and Africa market. In 2021, Anghami developed and launched the HarmonyOS app for Huawei smartwatches in the MEA, and in 2025, it launched a new application version optimized for Huawei Watch 5.
With a user base of more than 32 million, Nabd has established itself as the preferred destination for Arabic content consumption. The platform provides an extensive range of features, including personalized news, live match scores, football schedules, real-time financial markets data, weather forecasts, live TV streaming, entertaining video feeds, e-commerce listings, and engaging word games. This cooperation with Huawei HMS for Car will provide localized content and multilingual services.
As a long-term partner of Huawei since 2021, Nabd has promoted the integration of the HMS media kit and supported ecosystem cooperation, while expanding brand coverage in the MEA through AppGallery.
At the HDC 2025, Huawei also unveiled HMS for Car MAAN 4.0, its latest innovation that allows web-based apps to work just as smoothly as native apps inside the vehicle. Paired with the new App Box development tool, it makes it easier than ever for partners like Anghami, helping them bring seamless, high-quality entertainment to connected vehicles around the world.
Al-Jomaih & Shell renews partnership with Yelo
Al-Jomaih and Shell Lubricating Oil Company has announced the renewal of its strategic partnership with Al-Wefaq Transportation Solutions, or Yelo, one of Saudi Arabia’s top vehicle rental companies. The renewed agreement will ensure the continued supply of Shell’s premium lubricants to support Yelo’s rapidly growing fleet operations across the Kingdom. The agreement, signed in Riyadh, aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and sectoral growth in the Kingdom’s transportation and mobility industry.
This agreement reflects a shared commitment to the highest service standards, operational efficiency and fleet optimization. It also supports the performance of Yelo, which operates a fleet of more than 33,000 vehicles through a network of 90 car rental branches. Yelo relies on advanced, high-performance lubrication solutions to maintain vehicle quality, reduce downtime and enhance resale value, all core to the company’s customer promise and growth strategy.
Saher Hashem, CEO of Al-Jomaih and Shell Lubricating Oil Company, expressed his delight in extending the collaboration with Yelo, affirming that the company is a model of innovation and reliability in the mobility sector. He said: “This renewal reinforces the strength of our relationship and reflects our shared focus on sustainability, outstanding performance, and delivering long-term value through Shell’s leading lubrication technologies.”
Hamad Al-Humaid, CEO of Al-Wefaq Transportation Solutions, emphasized the importance of reliable partnerships in delivering an exceptional customer experience and maintaining fleet efficiency and performance quality. He said: “Our partnership with Al-Jomaih and Shell Lubricating Oil Company has consistently proven valuable in optimizing operational efficiency, reducing maintenance costs, and ensuring our vehicles are always in top condition.”
Shell lubricants play an important role in supporting our ambitious growth and commitment to excellence, and we look forward to building on this strong foundation.”
Gen.G Esports crowned League of Legends champions at Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh
- The Korean powerhouses now sit top of the Club Championship standings with 1,800 points
RIYADH: Gen.G Esports continued their dominant run on the international stage by capturing the League of Legends title at the Esports World Cup 2025 over the weekend, defeating AG.AL 3-2 in a dramatic Grand Final to claim their second international trophy in as many weeks.
The Korean powerhouses now sit top of the Club Championship standings with 1,800 points, following a historic run that has seen them go unbeaten in 26 consecutive matches, one of the most commanding streaks in the history of competitive League of Legends.
The title win in Riyadh follows closely on the heels of their victory at the Mid-Season Invitational, making this the fastest back-to-back international title haul ever recorded in the game.
Their flawless campaign at the Esports World Cup culminated in a thrilling five-game final against AG.AL, who had earlier stunned both Hanwha Life Esports and reigning champions T1.
“It’s a very meaningful win for our team,” said Kim "Kiin" Ki-in, who was later named tournament MVP and awarded a $10,000 prize.
“In the past in international events we feel that we have underperformed, so to achieve back-to-back wins in the Mid-Season Invitational and now here at the Esports World Cup means that we are still a top contender level team. We are right at the top.
“And on a personal level, the wins let me know that I’m still the player I know I can be and that we can continue to lift many trophies together.”
Teammate Jeong "Chovy" Ji-hoon praised the atmosphere in the Riyadh Arena for playing a key role in their final push.
“The atmosphere in the arena was amazing, you could really feel it and I think that support was what drove us to go on and win in the end,” he said.
“The overall support of the fans throughout the tournament was incredible, they were electric and energetic, and they continue to drive us to lift more trophies again as soon as we can compete again,” he added.
The Gen.G lineup of Joo "Duro" Min-kyu, Jeong, Kim "Canyon" Geon-bu, Park "Ruler" Jae-hyuk, and Kim outclassed 11 other top-tier teams to secure the $600,000 winners’ prize and an additional 1,000 Club Championship points.
Arnold Hur, CEO of Gen.G Esports, hailed the team’s consistency and hunger for improvement.
“For us, the important thing is to keep on improving and delivering positive performances and results each year compared to the previous one, and that's what we're doing in this year's edition so far,” he said. “Everyone is working to help the club reach new heights and to keep rising.”
Reflecting on his MVP performance, Kiin added: “We were here last year, but we got eliminated early, so this time I wanted to lift the trophy, and I did. I'm really excited.”
‘Japanese First’ party emerges as election force with tough immigration talk
- Sanseito party was birthed on YouTube during pandemic spreading conspiracy theories about vaccinations and a cabal of global elites
- Party to win between 10 and 22 upper house seats and its leader says he wants to expand lower house presence
TOKYO: The fringe far-right Sanseito party emerged as one of the biggest winners in Japan’s upper house election on Sunday, gaining support with warnings of a “silent invasion” of immigrants, and pledges for tax cuts and welfare spending.
Birthed on YouTube during the COVID-19 pandemic spreading conspiracy theories about vaccinations and a cabal of global elites, the party broke into mainstream politics with its “Japanese First” campaign.
Public broadcaster NHK projected the party to win as many as 22 seats, adding to the single lawmaker it secured in the 248-seat chamber three years ago. It has only three seats in the more powerful lower house.
“The phrase Japanese First was meant to express rebuilding Japanese people’s livelihoods by resisting globalism. I am not saying that we should completely ban foreigners or that every foreigner should get out of Japan,” Sohei Kamiya, the party’s 47-year-old leader, said in an interview with local broadcaster Nippon Television after the election.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito will likely lose their majority in the upper house, leaving them further beholden to opposition support following a lower house defeat in October.
“Sanseito has become the talk of the town, and particularly here in America, because of the whole populist and anti-foreign sentiment. It’s more of a weakness of the LDP and Ishiba than anything else,” said Joshua Walker, head of the US non-profit Japan Society.
In polling ahead of Sunday’s election, 29 percent of voters told NHK that social security and a declining birthrate were their biggest concern. A total of 28 percent said they worried about rising rice prices, which have doubled in the past year. Immigration was in joint fifth place with 7 percent of respondents pointing to it.
“We were criticized as being xenophobic and discriminatory. The public came to understand that the media was wrong and Sanseito was right,” Kamiya said.
Kamiya’s message grabbed voters frustrated with a weak economy and currency that has lured tourists in record numbers in recent years, further driving up prices that Japanese can ill afford, political analysts say.
Japan’s fast-aging society has also seen foreign-born residents hit a record of about 3.8 million last year, though that is just 3 percent of the total population, a fraction of the corresponding proportion in the United States and Europe.
Inspired by Trump
Kamiya, a former supermarket manager and English teacher, told Reuters before the election that he had drawn inspiration from US President Donald Trump’s “bold political style.”
He has also drawn comparisons with Germany’s AfD and Reform UK although right-wing populist policies have yet to take root in Japan as they have in Europe and the United States.
Post-election, Kamiya said he plans to follow the example of Europe’s emerging populist parties by building alliances with other small parties rather than work with an LDP administration, which has ruled for most of Japan’s postwar history.
Sanseito’s focus on immigration has already shifted Japan’s politics to the right. Just days before the vote, Ishiba’s administration announced a new government taskforce to fight “crimes and disorderly conduct” by foreign nationals and his party has promised a target of “zero illegal foreigners.”
Kamiya, who won the party’s first seat in 2022 after gaining notoriety for appearing to call for Japan’s emperor to take concubines, has tried to tone down some controversial ideas formerly embraced by the party.
During the campaign, Kamiya, however, faced a backlash for branding gender equality policies a mistake that encourage women to work and keep them from having children.
To soften what he said was his “hot-blooded” image and to broaden support beyond the men in their twenties and thirties that form the core of Sanseito’s support, Kamiya fielded a raft of female candidates on Sunday.
Those included the single-named singer Saya, who clinched a seat in Tokyo.
Like other opposition parties Sanseito called for tax cuts and an increase in child benefits, policies that led investors to fret about Japan’s fiscal health and massive debt pile, but unlike them it has a far bigger online presence from where it can attack Japan’s political establishment.
Its YouTube channel has 400,000 followers, more than any other party on the platform and three times that of the LDP, according to socialcounts.org.
Sanseito’s upper house breakthrough, Kamiya said, is just the beginning.
“We are gradually increasing our numbers and living up to people’s expectations. By building a solid organization and securing 50 or 60 seats, I believe our policies will finally become reality,” he said.
