作者: admin

  • Italy’s Parliament approves 2026 budget with deficit-cutting measures

    Italy’s Parliament approves 2026 budget with deficit-cutting measures

    ROME — The Italian Parliament formally endorsed the government’s 2026 budget legislation on Tuesday, implementing deficit-reduction measures aligned with European Union fiscal requirements. The €22 billion ($25.9 billion) economic package successfully cleared its final legislative hurdle in the lower house with a 216-126 vote, securing approval from Premier Giorgia Meloni’s conservative coalition government.

    The budgetary framework aims to compress Italy’s deficit to 2.8% of GDP in 2026, representing a reduction from the previously projected 3% threshold. This adjustment responds directly to EU mandates for strengthened fiscal discipline among member states. In a post-vote statement on social media platform X, Premier Meloni characterized the budget as “serious and responsible,” emphasizing its design to channel constrained resources toward supporting families, workforce development, business enterprises, and healthcare infrastructure amid challenging economic conditions.

    Nevertheless, the legislation has provoked substantial opposition criticism. Center-left political factions, particularly the Democratic Party led by Elly Schlein, condemned the measures as excessively austere and inadequate for addressing Italy’s deepening wage stagnation and elevated tax burdens. Schlein asserted the government’s approach fails to deliver meaningful relief for low-income households and workers grappling with persistent inflation.

    Notably, approximately one-quarter of the budget’s financing derives from increased taxation targeting financial institutions, including banks and insurance companies. This revenue strategy has drawn cautionary remarks from the European Central Bank, warning that additional banking levies might further constrict credit availability to Italian families and businesses already experiencing limited access to financing.

  • From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, expats win Dh100,000 in Big Ticket weekly e-draw

    From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, expats win Dh100,000 in Big Ticket weekly e-draw

    In a series of life-changing moments, five expatriates residing across the UAE have been declared winners of Big Ticket’s weekly electronic draw, each securing Dh100,000. This development comes as anticipation builds toward the colossal Dh30 million grand prize scheduled for award on January 3, 2026.

    The diverse group of winners, hailing from India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and the UAE, represents a cross-section of the nation’s international community. Among them is Jibananand Jiban, a Bangladeshi sales executive based in Dubai. A participant for over a year through a group purchase with friends, Jiban initially dismissed the winning notification as a practical joke. Verification through Big Ticket’s live YouTube broadcast confirmed his fortune, which he plans to allocate toward family visits back home.

    Abu Dhabi-based entrepreneur Arun Kumar celebrated a victory seven years in the making. The Indian transportation company owner, who purchases tickets independently, described the experience as both thrilling and profoundly memorable—a just reward for his longstanding participation.

    Another long-term participant, Kumaravel Thangaraju from Tamil Nadu, finally achieved success after two decades in Dubai and seven years of monthly group ticket purchases. The 44-year-old professional expressed shock at his win, identifying his daughter’s education as a primary beneficiary of the windfall.

    Completing the roster of winners are Hamed Abdul Majeed and Malaysia’s Anthony Lopez, the latter having waited twelve years for his breakthrough. Both winners have committed to continuing their participation in future draws, with Lopez characterizing his win as a significant personal milestone.

    The upcoming January 3rd live event promises not only the historic Dh30 million grand prize but also five additional consolation awards of Dh50,000 each. December has already witnessed three weekly e-draws producing multiple winners, with one final opportunity remaining for the year. Tickets for the December 31st cutoff draw will be aired live on January 1, 2026, via Big Ticket’s official YouTube channel.

    Concurrently, Big Ticket’s Dream Car Series continues with a BMW 430i drawing coinciding with the grand prize event, followed by a BMW X5 award on February 3rd.

  • ROK President Lee Jae-myung to begin 4 day visit to China on Sunday

    ROK President Lee Jae-myung to begin 4 day visit to China on Sunday

    South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to commence a significant four-day state visit to China starting Sunday, as officially confirmed by China’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. The high-level diplomatic engagement marks a pivotal moment in Sino-Korean relations, with both nations poised to address critical bilateral and regional matters.

    The upcoming visit represents President Lee’s first major diplomatic overture to China since assuming office, underscoring the strategic importance both countries place on maintaining stable Northeast Asian relations. The timing of this state visit suggests potential discussions on economic cooperation, regional security dynamics, and multilateral collaboration within the evolving Asian geopolitical landscape.

    Diplomatic analysts anticipate the agenda will encompass trade relations, technological collaboration, and possibly coordination on North Korean denuclearization efforts. The four-day duration indicates substantial working sessions are planned, allowing for comprehensive dialogue between Chinese leadership and the South Korean delegation.

    This diplomatic mission occurs against the backdrop of shifting global economic patterns and increasing regional integration efforts. The visit follows recent economic forecasts suggesting widening disparities within Asia’s economic landscape, making bilateral cooperation increasingly crucial for regional stability.

    The state visit demonstrates both countries’ commitment to maintaining open communication channels despite complex international pressures and competing strategic interests. Observers will monitor the outcomes for potential impacts on regional trade architectures and security frameworks in Northeast Asia.

  • Striding ahead on path of national advancement

    Striding ahead on path of national advancement

    The year 2025 stands as a testament to China’s growing global stature and national cohesion, captured through a series of defining photographic moments. The visual narrative of the year commenced with President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan hosting international dignitaries in Tianjin on August 31. The event, a grand welcoming banquet preceding the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, showcased China’s pivotal role in fostering multilateral diplomacy and strengthening Eurasian partnerships.

    This diplomatic highlight was complemented by nationwide commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Ceremonies and exhibitions across the country served as poignant reminders of historical resilience and the enduring spirit of the nation.

    Further amplifying the year’s significance was the hosting of the National Games within the dynamic Greater Bay Area (GBA). This major sporting event not only highlighted athletic excellence but also demonstrated the advanced infrastructure and organizational capability of the southern China mega-region. The Games symbolized national unity and the successful regional integration policies championed by the government.

    Together, these events, immortalized through photojournalism, paint a comprehensive picture of a nation confidently advancing on the world stage while honoring its past and celebrating its present achievements through sport, remembrance, and international cooperation.

  • From 7 countdowns to world record attempt: How UAE will ring in 2026 on New Year’s Eve

    From 7 countdowns to world record attempt: How UAE will ring in 2026 on New Year’s Eve

    The United Arab Emirates is orchestrating an extraordinary welcome for 2026 with meticulously planned New Year’s Eve celebrations that promise to redefine grandeur. Across the seven emirates, authorities have coordinated an elaborate series of events designed to attract global attention while ensuring seamless execution.

    Dubai’s Global Village will pioneer an innovative concept featuring seven distinct countdowns synchronized with different time zones, allowing visitors to experience multiple New Year arrivals. The sequential celebrations will commence with China at 8:00 PM, followed by Thailand (9:00 PM), Bangladesh (10:00 PM), India (10:30 PM), Pakistan (11:00 PM), Dubai (midnight), and concluding with Turkey at 1:00 AM. Each celebration will feature customized fireworks and drone displays representing the respective cultures.

    Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba district aims to enter the Guinness World Records with a spectacular 62-minute pyrotechnic display attempting to break five distinct records simultaneously. The production will incorporate a groundbreaking drone show utilizing 6,500 units performing coordinated maneuvers for twenty continuous minutes—an unprecedented technological achievement in aerial entertainment.

    Beyond the visual spectacles, comprehensive security and traffic management plans have been implemented across all emirates. Abu Dhabi Police have developed specialized security protocols while Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority will execute phased road closures to maintain smooth traffic flow during peak celebration hours.

    Downtown Dubai will extend festivities across eight consecutive days from December 31, 2025 through January 7, 2026. The extended program will feature live performances, immersive installations, and a grand parade culminating in a Bollywood-themed spectacle curated by renowned actor Shah Rukh Khan at Burj Park.

    The federal government has declared January 1, 2026 as an official public holiday for both public and private sectors, with federal employees receiving optional remote work privileges on January 2 where operationally feasible. This coordinated approach demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to establishing itself as a premier global destination for landmark celebrations.

  • Hot air balloon to underwater parties: 5 unique UAE New Year’s Eve celebrations

    Hot air balloon to underwater parties: 5 unique UAE New Year’s Eve celebrations

    The United Arab Emirates is transforming New Year’s Eve traditions with an array of extraordinary celebrations that move beyond conventional fireworks displays. As 2026 approaches, event organizers across the nation are creating unique experiences in remarkable settings that prioritize originality over massive crowds and familiar viewpoints.

    Atlantis The Palm introduces a tethered hot air balloon experience that elevates celebrations literally and figuratively. The NYE Sky Carnival features two ascents between 7-10 PM and 1-2 AM, providing panoramic views of fireworks across multiple landmarks including JBR and Burj Al Arab. Priced from Dh500 per person, the experience combines aerial spectacle with reflective rituals where guests document their aspirations for the coming year.

    Water enthusiasts can embrace guided night kayaking and paddleboarding sessions offered by operators like Crystal Clear Watersports. These aquatic adventures provide distinctive vantage points of fireworks from Burj Khalifa and Jumeirah Bay Island, emphasizing serene water conditions and intimate group settings rather than high-speed performance.

    Ossiano restaurant presents an immersive underwater dining experience with a multi-course gourmet dinner served beneath the ocean surface. At Dh1,500 per person, this sophisticated celebration begins at 7 PM on December 31st, followed by access to designated fireworks viewing areas, blending culinary excellence with a tranquil countdown alternative.

    Dinner in the Sky Dubai elevates celebrations approximately 50 meters above ground with suspended dining from 10:30 PM through midnight. Priced from Dh1,400 per person, this elevated experience offers breathtaking views of Palm Jumeirah, JBR, and Dubai Marina during the transition to 2026.

    For those seeking complete urban escape, the Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Oasis provides a desert-based celebration running from late December into early January. This festival shifts focus from fireworks to motorsports, dune climbing competitions, and cultural activities under expansive desert skies, with generally free entry to festival grounds.

  • Former Bangladeshi PM Khaleda Zia dies of illness at age of 80

    Former Bangladeshi PM Khaleda Zia dies of illness at age of 80

    DHAKA – Bangladesh’s political landscape mourns the loss of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away Tuesday morning at age 80 following prolonged health complications. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which she chaired, confirmed her demise through an official social media announcement at approximately 6:00 AM local time.

    According to The Daily Star, Zia breathed her last at a Dhaka medical facility where she had been undergoing extensive treatment since late November 2025. Her medical team had diagnosed critical cardiac issues coupled with severe pulmonary infection, compounding her existing health challenges that had persisted over several years.

    Zia made history in February 1991 when she assumed office as Bangladesh’s inaugural female head of government, demonstrating groundbreaking leadership in a traditionally male-dominated political arena. She secured a second electoral victory in October 2001, further cementing her influence in the nation’s governance.

    Her political journey encountered significant turbulence in February 2018 when judicial authorities convicted her on corruption allegations, resulting in her incarceration. However, in a notable turn of events, the presidential administration granted her release in August 2024, marking the conclusion of her six-year imprisonment period.

    Zia’s passing represents the end of an era for Bangladeshi politics, where she remained a polarizing yet profoundly influential figure throughout her extensive career. Her legacy continues to shape the nation’s political discourse and democratic development.

  • Top DPRK leader inspects major munition enterprise

    Top DPRK leader inspects major munition enterprise

    North Korean leader Kim Jong-un conducted a significant inspection tour of a major munitions factory on Sunday, emphasizing the strategic importance of weapons production for national defense. According to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the visit focused on evaluating manufacturing processes for advanced military hardware, particularly multiple rocket launcher systems destined for deployment with key units of the Korean People’s Army.

    During the facility assessment, Kim characterized the new multiple rocket system as a transformative asset that would fundamentally reshape the composition of North Korea’s artillery forces. He described these weapons as becoming the “main strike means” of the country’s military apparatus, indicating their central role in future defense strategy.

    The North Korean leader further urged factory officials and workers to build upon production successes achieved throughout 2025, calling for expanded achievements in strengthening national defense capabilities during the coming year. This directive aligns with Pyongyang’s ongoing efforts to enhance its military readiness amid persistent regional tensions.

    The inspection comes during a period of heightened geopolitical sensitivity on the Korean Peninsula, where North Korea continues to develop and modernize its weapons programs despite international sanctions and diplomatic pressure. The public disclosure of the leader’s visit through state media channels serves both domestic and international audiences, demonstrating continued focus on military development while potentially signaling strategic intentions to external observers.

  • China launches new satellite

    China launches new satellite

    China has achieved another milestone in its space program with the successful deployment of the Tianhui-7 satellite into orbit. The spacecraft was launched aboard a Long March 4B rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China on December 30, 2025, at precisely 12:12 pm Beijing time.

    According to official reports from the launch center, the satellite has successfully entered its predetermined orbit and is functioning as intended. The Tianhui-7 represents China’s continuing advancement in space-based Earth observation capabilities, with primary applications in high-precision geographic mapping, comprehensive land resource surveys, and supporting various scientific research initiatives.

    This mission marks a significant achievement in China’s space exploration chronology, representing the 622nd flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series. The consistent success of these launches demonstrates China’s growing proficiency and reliability in space launch technology.

    The Tianhui series of satellites have progressively enhanced China’s capabilities in terrestrial observation and resource management. The latest iteration continues this tradition with expected improvements in imaging resolution and data collection efficiency that will benefit numerous sectors including urban planning, agricultural monitoring, and environmental protection.

    China’s space program continues to expand its technological footprint with regular launches that support both civilian and strategic applications, contributing to the global understanding of Earth’s systems while advancing the country’s capabilities in space technology.

  • ‘Deeply saddened’: India, Pakistan leaders condole death of Khaleda Zia

    ‘Deeply saddened’: India, Pakistan leaders condole death of Khaleda Zia

    The South Asian political landscape mourned collectively on Tuesday as former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at age 80. The pioneering leader, who made history as Bangladesh’s first female head of government, breathed her last at Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital following prolonged health complications that included heart disease, diabetes, and multiple organ ailments.

    Regional leaders transcended political differences to honor Zia’s legacy. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow, recalling their 2015 meeting and emphasizing Zia’s “significant contributions to Bangladesh’s development and India-Bangladesh relations.” Modi stated her vision would continue guiding bilateral partnerships between the neighboring nations.

    Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif characterized Zia as “a committed friend of Pakistan” whose lifelong service established an enduring legacy. His condolences highlighted the cross-border solidarity emerging from this moment of regional loss.

    Domestic tributes emerged from across Bangladesh’s political spectrum. Current Awami League Chairperson Sheikh Hasina, despite historical political rivalries, acknowledged Zia’s groundbreaking role as first female premier and her contributions to democratic establishment. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, former interim government adviser, described Zia as a “great guardian” of the nation and a defining figure in Bangladesh’s democratic evolution.

    The scene outside Evercare Hospital reflected national sentiment as crowds gathered to pay respects. Zia’s son Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), arrived to mourn his mother amidst supporters honoring the woman who reshaped the nation’s political consciousness through decades of public service.