Nicole Kidman gets close with Troye Sivan in new music video

A major industrial fire near London has forced the closure of the M25 in both directions, triggering widespread traffic disruption and fears of possible explosions. The blaze broke out at a commercial premises in Ventura Park, near St Albans, shortly after 9.20am on Tuesday. Huge plumes of thick smoke could be seen rising over the motorway as firefighters rushed to contain the fire. The M25 has been closed between Junction 21A and Junction 22, with motorists warned to avoid the area and use alternative routes. Emergency services took the decision to close the motorway amid concerns over smoke, falling debris and the potential for secondary explosions from the industrial site. Multiple fire appliances have been deployed to tackle the blaze, while police officers are also at the scene managing the emergency and surrounding traffic. National Highways has warned motorists to expect significant delays and congestion, urging drivers to allow extra time for their journeys or avoid the affected area altogether. The incident has caused major disruption on one of London’s key orbital routes, with congestion building on surrounding roads as traffic is diverted away from the closed section. Residents close to the fire have been advised to keep windows and doors closed because of the heavy smoke. The fire is also close to a railway line, with Network Rail representatives liaising with firefighters as emergency services assess the situation. The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Emergency crews remain at the scene and the M25 will stay closed while firefighters work to bring the blaze under control and authorities determine when it is safe to reopen the motorway. Motorists are being urged not to travel towards the affected section and to follow official traffic and emergency-service instructions. The incident remains ongoing.

TUNIS: At least 13 Tunisians are missing after a migrant boat sank off the country’s coast while attempting to reach Italy, according to a migrant rights official. Two people were rescued following the incident, but one of them was reported to be in critical condition. The head of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, Mostafa Abdelkebir, said the boat had departed early Thursday. One of the survivors told rescuers that the passengers had spent hours stranded at sea after the vessel overturned. Rescue efforts were launched after the boat sank, but the whereabouts of the missing migrants remained unknown. The incident highlights the continuing dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean in overcrowded or poorly equipped vessels. Tunisia has been a major departure point for migrants seeking to reach Europe, particularly Italy. However, the number of departures from the country has declined significantly over the past two years as authorities have strengthened maritime surveillance and border controls. The tighter measures have received financial and technical support from European countries, particularly Italy, as part of efforts to curb irregular migration across the Mediterranean. The European Union’s migration cooperation with Tunisia has also faced criticism from international rights organisations. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and other humanitarian groups recently accused the EU-Tunisia arrangement of contributing to serious abuses against migrants and asylum seekers. The organisations have urged the EU to suspend funding for migration and border-control operations involving Tunisian security forces. Tunisian authorities have defended their position, saying the country is facing intense pressure from the growing number of migrants attempting to use its territory as a route towards Europe. The central Mediterranean remains one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world. Migrants from African and Middle Eastern countries frequently attempt the journey in boats that can be overcrowded, poorly maintained or unsuitable for long sea crossings.

India’s Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi has been given the additional responsibility of the Education Ministry. The development comes after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. His resignation was accepted by the Indian president, according to an official notification. The notification also confirmed Joshi’s appointment to the additional portfolio. He will continue to handle his existing responsibilities while overseeing the Education Ministry. Speaking to journalists after the appointment, Joshi said he accepted the new responsibility with humility and a strong sense of duty. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for placing his trust in him. Joshi also praised the Modi government’s performance during its 12 years in power. He said the government had achieved several important milestones during this period. He added that the education sector had also witnessed major developments. Joshi acknowledged the work carried out by Pradhan during his tenure as education minister. He said Pradhan had played an important role in implementing India’s National Education Policy. According to Joshi, several significant initiatives were introduced during the previous four to five years. He also said India had made considerable progress in moving towards a new education system. Joshi pledged to carry out his new duties with dedication. He said he would use his abilities to fulfil the responsibilities assigned to him. The change at the Education Ministry follows weeks of student protests across India. The demonstrations were linked to allegations of examination paper leaks and irregularities. Students had demanded action from the authorities and greater accountability within the education system. Pradhan submitted his resignation on the 35th day of the protests. The 57-year-old minister stepped down as pressure continued to grow over the controversy. The protests were largely driven by young people. Their campaign gained significant attention through social media and public demonstrations. Pradhan’s resignation was subsequently welcomed by the protesters, who had made his removal one of their major demands. The leadership change now places Joshi at the centre of efforts to address the concerns surrounding India’s education and examination system. His immediate responsibilities are expected to include overseeing the ministry’s ongoing programmes and ensuring continuity in the implementation of education policies. The new minister will also face pressure to respond to concerns raised by students over examination procedures, transparency and accountability.