作者: admin

  • Residential building collapses in Lebanon’s Tripoli, trapping people, sources say

    Residential building collapses in Lebanon’s Tripoli, trapping people, sources say

    TRIPOLI, LEBANON – A major rescue operation continues in northern Lebanon after a residential building catastrophically collapsed in Tripoli on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The five-story structure in the Bab al-Tabbaneh neighborhood crumbled, leaving an undetermined number of residents trapped beneath heavy debris.

    According to security sources cited by Reuters, the incident prompted an immediate emergency response. Lebanon’s National News Agency confirmed that rescue teams, working alongside local citizens in a collaborative effort, have successfully extracted three survivors from the wreckage. Their current medical condition remains undisclosed.

    The precise cause of the structural failure is not yet known and is subject to investigation. Building collapses in Lebanon have been historically linked to aging infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and the use of substandard construction materials. This disaster occurs amidst the nation’s prolonged economic crisis, which has severely hampered public services and infrastructure investment.

    The collapse has drawn parallels to recent global structural failures, including a separate incident in Kota, India, where a building collapse resulted in fatalities. The response in Tripoli highlights the critical importance of community mobilization and emergency preparedness in urban disaster scenarios. International observers are monitoring the situation as rescue efforts continue against the clock to locate any additional victims.

  • Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ Takaichi forges stunning election win

    Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ Takaichi forges stunning election win

    In a historic winter election marked by record snowfall, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has secured a commanding parliamentary majority, positioning her conservative government to implement controversial economic reforms and military expansion policies. Official projections from public broadcaster NHK indicate Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), captured a supermajority of 328 seats in the 465-member lower house.

    The 64-year-old leader, frequently compared to Britain’s Margaret Thatcher for her staunch conservative stance, called the rare February election to capitalize on her substantial personal popularity since assuming leadership of the long-ruling LDP late last year. Voters braved severe winter conditions, with some polling stations closing early due to unprecedented snowfall, demonstrating significant public engagement with Takaichi’s policy platform.

    Her victory signals a dramatic political turnaround for the LDP, which had lost control of both parliamentary chambers under previous leadership. Political analysts attribute her success to an effective social media strategy and resonance with younger voters, sparking what has been termed ‘sanakatsu’ or ‘Sanae-mania’ across Japan.

    The Prime Minister’s agenda includes suspending the 8% sales tax on food items to address rising living costs—a measure that has unsettled financial markets concerned about Japan’s substantial public debt. Simultaneously, Takaichi has pledged to strengthen military capabilities amid growing regional tensions, particularly regarding Taiwan, which has significantly strained relations with China.

    International responses have been notably divided. U.S. President Donald Trump offered his ‘total endorsement’ and extended an invitation for a White House meeting next month. Conversely, Beijing has expressed strong opposition to Takaichi’s national security posture, implementing economic countermeasures including travel advisories against Japan. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the government’s intention to pursue dialogue with China while advancing defense enhancement policies.

    Business leaders have welcomed the election outcome as restoring political stability, with Keidanren head Yoshinobu Tsutsui noting Japan’s economy stands at ‘a critical juncture for achieving sustainable and strong growth.’ The decisive victory provides Takaichi with a strong mandate to pursue her dual agenda of economic stimulus and security reinforcement, though implementation challenges remain regarding fiscal sustainability and diplomatic relations.

  • 3 bodies found in parked car on flyover; poisoning suspected by Delhi Police

    3 bodies found in parked car on flyover; poisoning suspected by Delhi Police

    Delhi authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the perplexing discovery of three deceased individuals inside a stationary vehicle on the Peeragarhi flyover in outer Delhi. The incident, reported on Sunday afternoon, has presented investigators with a complex mystery lacking obvious signs of violence or criminal activity.

    According to official statements, emergency services responded to a routine call regarding a suspicious abandoned vehicle at approximately 3:50 PM. Upon arrival, authorities discovered two men and one woman—identified as Randhir (76), Naresh Singh (47), and Laxmi Devi (40)—motionless within the SUV. Notably, one of the victims was the registered owner of the vehicle.

    Preliminary forensic examination revealed no visible external injuries, indications of struggle, or evidence of forced entry into the vehicle. Investigators confirmed that personal valuables within the car remained undisturbed, eliminating robbery as an apparent motive. The absence of these conventional crime indicators has led authorities to consider alternative explanations, with poisoning emerging as a primary theory.

    Senior police officials described the investigation as ongoing and evolving, with forensic teams meticulously collecting evidence from both the vehicle and the surrounding area. CCTV footage from nearby cameras is being analyzed to reconstruct the victims’ final movements and establish a timeline of events preceding their discovery.

    The bodies have been transferred to a medical facility for post-mortem examinations, which investigators consider crucial for determining the exact cause of death. While preliminary findings suggest possible self-harm through poisoning, police officials emphasize they have not ruled out other possibilities and are maintaining an open investigative approach until conclusive evidence emerges.

  • Labubu lights up Shanghai lantern show

    Labubu lights up Shanghai lantern show

    Shanghai’s historic Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival has undergone a revolutionary transformation, expanding beyond its traditional boundaries for the first time to incorporate contemporary cultural elements. The collectibles giant Pop Mart has partnered with the festival to bring its globally recognized characters to life through elaborate light installations, creating a unique fusion of traditional Chinese New Year celebrations and modern pop culture.

    The festival’s expanded footprint now encompasses Gucheng Park, Middle Fangbang Road, Fuyou Road, and the iconic Bund area, running through March 3rd. While Yuyuan Garden maintains traditional folk culture themes, the new zones embrace contemporary aesthetics through Pop Mart’s intellectual properties.

    Center stage is Labubu, the sharp-toothed, pointy-eared creation of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung that has become a global phenomenon. The character joins other Pop Mart favorites including Twinkle Twinkle, Molly, Skullpanda, and Hirono in lantern form throughout the expanded festival grounds.

    The Bund Finance Center has launched a special Chinese New Year Garden Fair in collaboration with Pop Mart, featuring a magnificent palace lantern carousel adorned with twelve classic IPs at its North Plaza. Additional installations include Twinkle Twinkle in the Sky Garden against Shanghai’s iconic Huangpu River skyline and Molly at the South Mall entrance accompanied by traditional drum dance performances.

    The festival’s blend of tradition and modernity has attracted both local enthusiasts and international visitors. Frans-Jan van Meer, a supply chain manager from the Netherlands, expressed delight at discovering the Pop Mart pop-up store during his first visit to China. “My daughters are fans of Pop Mart in Europe,” he shared while purchasing blind boxes. “The new Golden Gallop series feels authentically Chinese and exotic to us.”

    Pop Mart’s participation reflects its soaring global popularity. The company’s 2025 interim results revealed staggering growth with a 204.4% increase in first-half revenue, reaching 13.88 billion yuan. The Monsters brand featuring Lababu generated 4.81 billion yuan in sales during the first half of 2025, representing 668% year-on-year growth and accounting for nearly 35% of total revenue.

    This cultural fusion event demonstrates how traditional Chinese celebrations are evolving to incorporate modern elements while simultaneously introducing global audiences to Chinese cultural exports. As van Meer observed, “Chinese, and Asian culture generally, is getting more popular globally… You can see it more in Europe, and I think that’s a good thing.”

  • Video: 3 killed and three injured in multi-vehicle collision in Oman

    Video: 3 killed and three injured in multi-vehicle collision in Oman

    A severe traffic accident in Oman’s North Al Batinah Governorate resulted in three fatalities and left three others injured with varying degrees of severity. The tragic multi-vehicle collision occurred in the Luya Governorate, prompting immediate emergency response from Omani authorities.

    The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority of Oman released visual documentation of the incident on Sunday, showcasing the extensive rescue operations undertaken at the crash site. Emergency teams employed specialized equipment to extract trapped individuals from severely damaged vehicles, with responders providing critical on-site medical assistance before transporting the wounded to healthcare facilities.

    According to official reports, the injured victims sustained conditions ranging from moderate to critical, requiring subsequent medical treatment at designated hospitals. While authorities confirmed the basic details of the accident, further specifics regarding the circumstances leading to the collision remain undisclosed at this time.

    This incident has reignited concerns about road safety measures in the region. Omani traffic authorities consistently emphasize the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and maintaining heightened awareness while driving to prevent such catastrophic events. The tragedy follows previous similar incidents in the country, highlighting ongoing challenges with road safety and accident prevention.

  • 7 days to go: We list 7 things you could do at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

    7 days to go: We list 7 things you could do at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

    The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships return to Al Garhoud for a spectacular fortnight of world-class athletic competition, creating an electrifying atmosphere both on and off the court. With just one week remaining until the opening serve, the tournament promises an exceptional lineup of tennis excellence and fan engagement opportunities.

    Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina headlines the women’s competition as she returns to her adopted home of Dubai following her recent Grand Slam triumph. The 2024 tournament finalist, who relocated to the emirate two years ago, enjoys strong local support and arrives in peak competitive form.

    Beyond the center court action, the Championships offer complimentary access to side courts where spectators can witness elite matches featuring players of Coco Gauff’s caliber. The tournament’s layout provides numerous food and beverage options throughout the venue, ensuring an affordable and action-packed experience for all attendees.

    The WTA 1000 event (February 15-21) boasts an impressive field with all top 20 female players confirmed, including world number one Aryna Sabalenka, six-time Grand Slam winner Iga Świątek, and two-time Dubai champion Elina Svitolina. The subsequent ATP 500 week (through February 28) features defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas alongside former winners Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, and Ugo Humbert.

    British tennis fans will have particular interest in Jack Draper’s Dubai debut. The UK’s top-ranked male player, whose 2025 appearance was thwarted by injury, brings his exciting talent to the tournament for the first time following his 2024 US Open semi-final performance.

    The newly expanded Tennis Village enhances the fan experience with interactive games, competitions, and photo opportunities through partnerships with sponsors including Mercedes-Benz and Evian. The popular ‘Catch and Win’ challenge returns, allowing spectators to exchange balls caught during matches for gifts. Player interactions along the walkways and appearances by tournament mascots Ace and Annette provide additional opportunities for autographs and selfies.

    With convenient access via GGICO Metro Station eliminating traffic concerns, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships present an accessible world-class sporting spectacle for tennis enthusiasts and families alike.

  • Noam Chomsky’s wife says he was ‘ensnared’ and ‘manipulated’ by Epstein

    Noam Chomsky’s wife says he was ‘ensnared’ and ‘manipulated’ by Epstein

    Valeria Wasserman, spouse of renowned linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky, has publicly characterized their association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as falling victim to a calculated ‘Trojan horse’ strategy. This statement emerges amidst the release of court documents by the U.S. Department of Justice, which detail communications between the 97-year-old intellectual and the disgraced financier.

    The disclosed correspondence reveals that in February 2019, Professor Chomsky provided Epstein with counsel on managing media scrutiny, advising him to ‘ignore’ the criticism surrounding his treatment in press reports. Chomsky notably characterized the climate surrounding abuse allegations as ‘hysteria,’ suggesting that questioning charges had become viewed as ‘a crime worse than murder.’

    Ms. Wasserman contextualized these communications by explaining that their introduction to Epstein occurred during a 2015 academic event, at which time his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor remained largely unknown to the general public, including themselves. Epstein reportedly presented himself as a scientific philanthropist and financial expert, thereby gaining Chomsky’s professional attention.

    The academic’s wife detailed how Epstein ‘began to encircle Noam’ through gifts and orchestrated discussions aligned with his intellectual interests. She expressed profound regret that they failed to recognize this as a strategic effort to ensnare them and potentially undermine Chomsky’s longstanding advocacy work.

    While acknowledging social interactions including lunches at Epstein’s ranch, dinners at his Manhattan townhouse, and use of his New York apartment during professional visits, Wasserman emphatically stated they never visited Epstein’s Caribbean island and witnessed no inappropriate behavior or presence of minors during their encounters.

    These disclosures coincide with Wasserman’s confirmation that Professor Chomsky continues to confront significant health challenges following a devastating stroke in June 2023, leaving him under constant medical care and unable to engage in public discourse.

    In conclusion, Wasserman unequivocally stated: ‘Noam and I recognize the gravity of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes and the profound suffering of his victims,’ expressing ‘unrestricted solidarity’ while maintaining that their interactions were predicated on Epstein’s deliberately constructed false narrative.

  • Global award in Dubai: Indian teacher Rouble Nagi greeted with roses by her students

    Global award in Dubai: Indian teacher Rouble Nagi greeted with roses by her students

    Mumbai-based educator Rouble Nagi received a hero’s welcome upon returning home after being awarded the prestigious $1-million Gems Education Global Teacher Prize in Dubai. The emotional airport scene featured students showering Nagi with flower garlands and roses, with one young girl kneeling to present a rose—a gesture met with an immediate warm embrace from the honored teacher.

    The award was presented by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in recognition of Nagi’s groundbreaking work in making education accessible to underprivileged children. Following the ceremony, Nagi posed with her award before the Burj Khalifa, drawing parallels between the iconic structure’s stature and the resilience of educators worldwide. “The Burj stands tall and speaks for itself, just like all teachers stand tall for their belief in education and their students,” she remarked, describing the skyscraper as a “piece of art.”

    Nagi’s innovative approach addresses educational disparities through her Rouble Nagi Art Foundation (RNAF), which has established over 800 learning centers across India’s slums and villages. Born from her recognition of poverty’s cyclical impact on education access, her methodology employs low-cost, art-based instruction using walls as canvases and teaching boards to impart numeracy, literacy, and life skills.

    Her 24-year journey has focused on breaking the vicious cycle where financial constraints deny children quality education, thereby limiting future opportunities. Through structured learning programs, Nagi has enabled thousands of previously unschooled children to transition into mainstream education systems.

    In an emotional acceptance speech, Nagi dedicated the award to her students, family, and country, stating: “It has been my dream to see every child in India in school. This award recognizes 24 years of constant, consistent effort—going into the remotest areas of India, into the slums, teaching children and learning from them.”

  • New Apple iPhone could launch this month: Expected UAE price, specs, release date

    New Apple iPhone could launch this month: Expected UAE price, specs, release date

    Apple appears poised to introduce its next-generation budget smartphone, the iPhone 17e, potentially as early as this month according to emerging supply chain intelligence and industry reports. This anticipated release follows Apple’s established pattern of unveiling its affordable e-series model in February, established when the company launched the iPhone 16e in February 2025 as the formal replacement for its discontinued iPhone SE line.

    The forthcoming iPhone 17e is expected to deliver substantial improvements over its predecessor, addressing several key limitations of the iPhone 16e model. Industry analysts project the device will incorporate Apple’s advanced A19 chipset—the same processor powering the flagship iPhone 17—though likely configured with one fewer GPU core following Apple’s standard practice of using binned processors for entry-level devices. This architectural enhancement promises notable performance gains, particularly for artificial intelligence functionalities and computational photography features.

    Design refinements represent another significant area of advancement. The device is rumored to replace the traditional notch with Apple’s Dynamic Island interface, while upgrading the front-facing camera system to an 18-megapixel square-sensor configuration. Storage capacity is anticipated to double to 256GB as standard, a substantial increase from the 128GB base model of the previous generation.

    Perhaps most notably, the iPhone 17e may introduce MagSafe compatibility for the first time in Apple’s budget series. Multiple reports indicate support for 25W MagSafe wireless charging, addressing one of the most frequent criticisms of the iPhone 16e. Connectivity could also see improvements through an upgrade from Apple’s C1 modem to the more advanced and efficient C1X chipset.

    Pricing strategy is expected to remain consistent with previous models, with the iPhone 17e likely starting at $599. For consumers in the United Arab Emirates, this would translate to approximately Dh2,599—mirroring the launch price of the iPhone 16e. If these specifications materialize at this price point, the iPhone 17e could establish itself as a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious consumers seeking premium features without the flagship price tag.

  • Features, price of T1 Phone: Here’s what we know about Donald Trump’s signature smartphone

    Features, price of T1 Phone: Here’s what we know about Donald Trump’s signature smartphone

    The long-awaited Trump T1 smartphone has reemerged with substantial hardware upgrades and revised launch strategies, according to recent disclosures from Trump Mobile executives. In an exclusive interview with The Verge, company representatives Don Hendrickson and Eric Thomas revealed the device will feature a 6.8-inch display and Qualcomm Snapdragon 7-series chipset, positioning it within the competitive upper mid-range market segment.

    Notable specifications include exceptional storage capabilities with 512GB of internal memory—unusually complemented by expandable SD card support, a feature increasingly rare in contemporary smartphones. The device is powered by a substantial 5,000mAh battery and equipped with dual 50-megapixel cameras on both front and rear assemblies. Industry analysts speculate the rear camera system may incorporate ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, though Trump Mobile has not officially confirmed these enhancements.

    Prospective buyers in the UAE and international markets received promising delivery timelines, with executives indicating initial shipments could commence by spring. Early adopters will benefit from a preferential pricing structure of $499 (approximately Dh1,832.58), while subsequent customers will face elevated, undisclosed pricing.

    Contradicting earlier marketing assertions, executives confirmed the device will not undergo manufacturing within the United States. This revelation follows multiple delays and specification modifications since the product’s initial announcement six months prior. The device has undergone significant transformations in design, technical specifications, and pricing strategy throughout its development cycle.

    Market analysts recommend maintaining cautious optimism regarding the product’s eventual market availability, given its history of delays and evolving specifications. The Trump T1 continues to generate substantial media attention while navigating persistent questions regarding manufacturing partnerships and distribution capabilities.