Who is Huma Abedin? Indian-origin ex-aide to Hillary Clinton; now married to George Soros's son Alex Soros
Indian-origin author and longtime
aide Huma Abedin has married Alex Soros, the son of billionaire philanthropist George Soros.
The event dubbed as the 'wedding of liberal royalty' by
The New York Times
, was held at the couple's home in New York and drew a star-studded, high-profile guest list that included political heavyweights and celebrities.
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Among those present were Hillary and Bill Clinton, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and international guests like Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Other attendees included Vogue editor Anna Wintour, socialite Nicky Hilton Rothschild, and longtime Clinton ally Susie Tompkins Buell, adding to the glitz and influence at the celebration.
Who is Alex Soros?
Alex Soros, 39, is the chairman of the Open Society Foundations, the global philanthropic organization founded by his father, billionaire investor George Soros.
Raised in New York, Alex graduated from New York University in 2009 and earned a PhD in history from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2018.
In June 2023, he was named the heir to his father's fortune and took over leadership of OSF and Soros Fund Management.
Who is Huma Abedin?
Huma Abedin, 48, is a longtime political aide and trusted confidante of Hillary Clinton.
Often called Clinton's 'second daughter,' she worked closely with her in various roles — from the White House to the US Senate and the State Department.
Born in Michigan to an Indian father and Pakistani mother, Abedin was raised in Saudi Arabia. She often credits her multicultural background for shaping her identity and perspective.
She started her political journey at 19, interning in the First Lady's office in 1996, and steadily rose through the ranks to become one of Clinton's most trusted aides.
Over the years, she held several prominent positions: senior advisor to Senator Clinton, traveling chief of staff during the 2008 presidential campaign, deputy chief of staff at the US State Department, and ultimately vice chair of Hillary for America in 2016.
Her final role with Clinton was as chief of staff. Though known for keeping a low profile, Abedin's personal life has drawn attention.
She married former Congressman Anthony Weiner in 2010, but their relationship unraveled after multiple sexting scandals, The People reported. The couple separated in 2016 and divorced in 2017. They share a son, Jordan Zain Weiner, born in 2011.
She briefly dated actor Bradley Cooper before meeting Alex Soros at a mutual friend's birthday party in 2023.
The two got engaged in May 2024 and recently married in a high-profile wedding attended by political heavyweights and celebrities alike.
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Time of India
9 minutes ago
- Time of India
Is Bollywood ready for the 8-hour shift? Anand Pandit, Rahul Dholakia, Kumar Sanu and others weigh in on the battle between burnout and brilliance
In an industry that has long prided itself on its unpredictability, relentless pace, and obsession with "the perfect shot," the very idea of a structured 8-hour shooting shift once seemed laughable. Bollywood shoots are notorious for their sprawling hours, delayed schedules, and spontaneous bursts of genius that strike at 3 a.m. rather than 3 p.m. But that norm is now being questioned. The flashpoint came when Deepika Padukone walked out of Prabhas starrer Spirit, a film by Kabir Singh and Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga , due to concerns over exhaustive shooting schedules. With motherhood now an integral part of her life, the decision wasn't just personal—it was symbolic of a generational shift. This ETimes feature dives into the heart of that question — asking not just whether 8-hour shifts are feasible, but whether they're necessary for the health and future of Indian cinema. From 'grind culture' to 'planned creativity' The old-school pride in overwork — actors boasting about hopping between three sets a day, crew members sleeping in vans, and night shifts that last until sunrise — is increasingly being seen not as dedication, but as dysfunction. Producer Anand Pandit believes it's high time Bollywood sheds its old skin. 'We are way past the era when stars used to work in multiple shifts and suffer burnout,' he says. 'It is healthy to work smarter than longer. Akshay Kumar , for instance, is known to work in well-managed, crisp shifts and this is a practice that is catching on.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Pandit also points out that today's actors—particularly younger ones—are far more vocal about boundaries, self-care, and mental health than their predecessors. 'Each actor will answer differently. There is no single rulebook, and that's a good thing. The fact that we're even having this conversation is progress,' he adds. Money, momentum, and the myth of more hours One of the central arguments against shorter shifts is economic. More days on set mean more rental costs, crew expenses, and time-sensitive logistics. 'Yes, fewer hours typically mean more shoot days, which can increase budgets,' Pandit admits. 'However, with tighter scheduling, good pre-production, and minimal wastage, the rise in costs can be absorbed—or even offset.' Kumar Sanu , who has experienced decades of Indian film and music production, agrees that filmmaking is time-intensive. 'It takes a lot of time just to set up cameras or tweak the lighting. But actors and directors should be looking out for each other. Deepika being a new mom—her concerns are valid. Sandeep Reddy Vanga's creative process is valid too. Both are right in their own ways.' He adds, "Budget and time allotted can put pressure on the creative team, but we also have to see that there have been really good and enjoyable movies and really bad movies made in the same time as each other. Creativity is in the mind of the filmmaking crew. Putting a number to it doesn't make any sense. It is dependent on the creative team and how much time they need. If we make a certain number an industry standard, it might affect some and it might not affect others. Slandering or bashing actors or directors is not the way to handle this debate." Creativity, Sanu points out, doesn't obey the clock. 'Some amazing films were made in short spans, and some flops took forever. I recorded Kuch Na Kaho in 9 minutes—it was a rehearsal—but it became a superhit. Time is not the deciding factor—mindset and preparedness are.' 'The actors are pampered — it's the crew we forget' Director Rahul Dholakia introduces a critical layer to the discussion—the unseen, unheard crew. 'The light men, spot boys, production staff—they're the first to arrive and the last to leave,' he stresses. 'Their call times are at least an hour before others, and sometimes two hours earlier than lead actors. If we shorten shifts without recalibrating for them, they're the ones who suffer most.' Dholakia recommends a 10-hour shift model—with 8 hours of shooting and a 2-hour buffer. 'Lunch breaks in India aren't quick. People need their nashta, their chai. That eats into time. So production has to compensate for that if we're serious about shorter shifts.' He also advocates for proper turnaround time. 'If you wrap late, you need at least 10 hours before the next day's call time. Unfortunately, only top-tier talent gets that luxury right now.' Efficiency models from the South and beyond Multiple voices praise South Indian industries for their discipline and professionalism. 'I have worked in virtually every regional industry and everybody has a different working style. I believe the South-Indian industries are less wasteful with time and resources. Everyone works with a certain discipline and everybody's time is respected. I cannot speak for Hollywood, but from what I have gathered, it is also a very well-structured industry,' says Pandit. Singer Kumar Sanu points to punctuality and preparedness as the real production model to emulate. 'Amitabh Bachchan was known for always being on time and coming prepared. That's what made shoots efficient—not just the hours worked.' Deepika Exits 'Spirit'; Bollywood Backs 8-Hour Rule Commenting on work-life balance, Sanu said, "Work and life balance is really important. With Actresses especially when they become mothers, we need to be understanding and give them their comfort on humanity ground. There are many complications after becoming a mother and every woman faces different things. Movies were being made in the 50s and 60s when there was lack of convenience, but they worked around it. In today's time, we have so much convenience, people should be more understanding now. " Mental health and the myth of the tireless artist Actor and writer Karan Razdan , who is currently working on Rajni 2.0, offers a lived experience of creative burnout. 'Creativity actually and truly lasts for a maximum of 8 hours. This is true not only on the set as an actor or director but it applies to all the other technicians also. Infact having been a writer, actor and director let me tell you that even the writer's true creative time is restricted to just a few hours. Now that I have started again in Rajni 2.0 (the sequel of my hit show Rajni) i feel extremely burnt out after 8-9 hours as an actor. And of course have always felt it as a director too." Having straddled multiple roles in the industry, Razdan believes that shorter shifts could actually enhance artistic output. 'If those 8 hours are dedicated and focused, the results can be marvellous. Budget-wise too, it won't impact things too much.' For director Mozez Singh , it boils down to balance—between life and work, heart and hustle. 'It's really important to have a work-life balance because it is life itself that feeds the work. And proper rest is the biggest fuel for productivity.' He adds, 'Actors have responsibilities outside the set—young children, ageing parents, emotional health. These aren't afterthoughts. They must be part of our scheduling discussions.' The fear of the unknown Still, not everyone is ready to jump in. While many acknowledge the benefits, there's fear that rigid shifts could stifle spontaneity or drive up costs. Sanu believes that an 8-hour shift would negatively impact the industry economically for those who work on hourly basis or shift basis, unless someone has one of contract then it's positive for them. Pandit echoes the sentiment: 'Flexibility is key. For climax scenes or complex setups, longer days are needed—and that should be okay if planned in advance.' A hybrid path forward? Nearly all stakeholders seem to agree on one solution: hybrid models. A mix of shorter and longer days, depending on the scene, budget, and cast requirements. 'Yes, I could see that work,' Mozez Singh says. 'Give more hours to high-stakes scenes, but otherwise keep to 8-hour norms. That's the only way to be fair to both the art and the artist.' On the human side of the debate, Rahul Dholakia shares a telling anecdote: 'On one film, my actor requested that he work 10 hours on set and wrap by 7 or 8 pm so he could be in time to see his kids before they slept. That's fair — we have to honor that.' But to make this all possible, the Raees director says, the industry must invest more time before the camera starts rolling: 'A lot of how we shoot is organized — but a lot can be fixed. How efficiently we do that depends only on one thing: planning.' Kumar Sanu offers a final note of pragmatism: 'If we rotate shifts well, it might even create more job opportunities. But it must be implemented thoughtfully—without hurting the daily workers.' A time for reflection The 8-hour shift debate isn't about hours alone. It's about respect—respect for time, health, family, and artistic integrity. The conversation sparked by Deepika Padukone's departure from Spirit is not a rebellion; it's a request for reform. As Anand Pandit aptly puts it: 'When we work smarter, we don't have to work longer.' In the end, Bollywood may not be ready for a time clock, but it is definitely ready for a reset.
India.com
15 minutes ago
- India.com
India Overtakes Pakistan In Nuclear Arsenal For First Time, Unleashes New Agni Missiles That Can Strike Multiple Targets At Once
New Delhi: There was not any fanfare. No grand announcement from the government. No breaking headlines. But sometime between last year and this one, India quietly pulled ahead in a race it has long been part of – one that rarely gets spoken of openly. For the first time, India is believed to hold more nuclear warheads than Pakistan. According to data gathered by international researchers monitoring global armaments, India now has around 180 nuclear weapons. That is about eight more than what it held the year before. Meanwhile, Pakistan has stayed steady at 170. This change may seem small on paper, but it carries weight. Both countries have walked a delicate line for decades, shaped by wars, ceasefires and mutual deterrence. Numbers alone do not define strategy, but they do tell a story. Behind this quiet leap is a shift in the kind of missiles India is building. In labs and testing fields far from public view, Indian scientists have been working on something newer, lighter, faster and more capable of staying hidden until the moment it is needed. The latest additions include the Agni-P and Agni-5, both part of India's long-range strike options. They are mobile, harder to detect and designed to be stored with warheads already attached and ready to launch if the order ever comes. One of them, the Agni-5, stretches India's reach far beyond the subcontinent. With a range of more than 5,000 kilometers, it can reportedly reach deep into Asia, parts of Europe and northern Africa. What is more, it may soon carry what is known as MIRVs – multiple warheads on a single missile (MIRVs) – each programmed to hit different targets. This kind of system is not common. It is a technology seen mostly in the arsenals of the United States, Russia and China. Though officials have not confirmed if the MIRV-equipped version of Agni-5 is fully operational, recent tests suggest India is inching closer. And that development could give Indian strategic forces a sharp edge not only in range but in complexity. A single launch could now mean multiple incoming threats for any adversary trying to intercept them. Even the Agni-P, designed for shorter distances, is no less important. It is meant to replace older models, but what makes it stand out is how quickly it can be moved and fired. Stored in sealed canisters, these missiles can be transported across roads without anyone knowing what is inside. When it comes to second-strike capability, survivability matters more than numbers. In the background of all this, China has been expanding at a pace that has caught global attention. From 500 nuclear warheads last year, China's estimated stockpile has grown to 600 in just 12 months. And if construction continues at its current pace – across deserts and remote mountain areas – it could rival the United States or Russia in the number of long-range missiles it fields within a decade. Pakistan, meanwhile, has focused on refining battlefield-range systems like the Nasr and Ababeel. But for now, its nuclear count appears unchanged. While India's nuclear policy remains centered around 'credible minimum deterrence', its investments suggest a clear intent to stay prepared for evolving threats. The idea of having enough firepower is to retaliate but never to strike first. For now, the numbers remain modest. But with aging agreements due to expire and no new treaties on the horizon, the region may be entering a new phase – one shaped less by war and more by silent preparation.
Indian Express
43 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Exclusive: Ahead of Modi's G7 visit, India had collated info on 8 Canada-based gangsters, Khalistani Terrorists for talks with Ottawa
In the run-up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Canada for the G7 summit, the Ministry of Home Affairs had directed Central security agencies to compile and share intelligence on eight Canada-based fugitive gangsters and terrorists—including designated Khalistani terrorists Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla and Lakhbir Singh 'Landa'. The information was expected to be handed over to Canadian authorities on the sidelines of the visit, it is learnt. As reported by The Indian Express Tuesday, Delhi and Ottawa are engaged in hectic negotiations to create a joint working group to deal with transnational crimes. The negotiations are aimed at rebuilding bilateral ties while insulating them from the Canadian judicial process on the 2023 killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Sources said the consultative mechanism will be the first step towards assuaging concerns on both sides. While Canada will have a mechanism to discuss issues related to the judicial process, India can bring up Khalistan separatism and extremism-related concerns. Ties between India and Canada were severely hit after September 2023, when then PM Justin Trudeau raised suspicion about the Indian government's 'potential' involvement in the killing of Canada-based Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the two countries expelled each other's diplomats. It took a turn for the worse after Canada's Foreign Interference Commission identified India as the 'second most active country' interfering in its electoral affairs. India has denied these allegations, terming them as 'absurd' and 'motivated'. 'Apart from Landa and Arsh, the list includes Lipin Nehra, a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang; Rahul alias Harry Kailash Ritoli and Lakshya Gudhan, close associates of Himanshu Bhau; and Lucky Patial of Chandigarh, who took over the Davinder Bambiha gang after latter's encounter in 2016. Currently operating from Canada, Lucky controls nearly 400 shooters across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh. He is a rival of the Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar gangs and carries a bounty of Rs 5 lakh,' a source said. While Central agencies already had a list of criminals operating from abroad, a fresh list was sought specifically of criminals based in Canada and their case status, sources said. 'Following the MHA's directions, the list of eight criminals, along with their criminal dossiers and efforts made by the Indian agencies to bring them back, was prepared,' said a source. The list also includes Bambiha gang's associate: Zahar Singh alias Prince Chauhan, whose extortion module is active in Punjab; Gurjant Singh alias Bholu, who belongs to Havelian village in Punjab's Tarn Taran district and is a key figure in a global drug syndicate. He is reported to have ties with other prominent criminals, including Amritpal Singh alias Baath, and Shehnaz Singh alias Shawn Bhinder, an international drug lord. 'Bholu's activities primarily revolve around smuggling of heroin and other narcotics from Pakistan and Afghanistan into India, as well as facilitating the distribution of cocaine from Colombia to the US and Canada,' a source said. India's Central investigation agencies, who approached the Royal Canadian Mounted police to discuss Dalla's arrest, found that Dalla's ankle bracelet put on him after he was granted bail in December was removed after he deposited a fine of 30,000 Canadian dollars. Significantly, it was the first time that one of India's Central investigation agencies approached the Royal Canadian Mounted police to discuss Dalla's arrest, and came amid India's push for his extradition. Mahender Singh Manral is an Assistant Editor with the national bureau of The Indian Express. He is known for his impactful and breaking stories. He covers the Ministry of Home Affairs, Investigative Agencies, National Investigative Agency, Central Bureau of Investigation, Law Enforcement Agencies, Paramilitary Forces, and internal security. Prior to this, Manral had extensively reported on city-based crime stories along with that he also covered the anti-corruption branch of the Delhi government for a decade. He is known for his knack for News and a detailed understanding of stories. He also worked with Mail Today as a senior correspondent for eleven months. He has also worked with The Pioneer for two years where he was exclusively covering crime beat. During his initial days of the career he also worked with The Statesman newspaper in the national capital, where he was entrusted with beats like crime, education, and the Delhi Jal Board. A graduate in Mass Communication, Manral is always in search of stories that impact lives. ... Read More
