作者: admin

  • Russian air attack knocks out power for over a million Ukrainians

    Russian air attack knocks out power for over a million Ukrainians

    In a devastating escalation of its winter energy infrastructure campaign, Russian forces launched a massive overnight assault targeting Ukraine’s power grid, leaving approximately 1.2 million properties without electricity during dangerously frigid conditions. The coordinated attack, which extended into Saturday morning, represents Moscow’s most intensive bombardment of energy facilities this winter, continuing a strategy initiated in November 2022.

    Kyiv experienced particularly severe impacts, with over 800,000 households plunged into darkness while nighttime temperatures hovered around -10°C (14°F). Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba reported that more than 3,200 buildings in the capital remained without heating by late evening, though this marked an improvement from the 6,000 affected structures earlier in the day. The northeastern suburb of Troyeshchyna emerged as the worst-hit district, with 600 buildings simultaneously deprived of power, water, and heating services.

    The human toll mounted as Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed one fatality and four injuries in the capital, three requiring hospitalization. Kharkiv, situated merely 30 kilometers from the Russian border, suffered significant damage with over 30 casualties including a child. Mayor Ihor Terekhov detailed that 25 drones struck multiple districts, damaging a dormitory for displaced persons and two medical facilities, one being a maternity hospital.

    Emergency response efforts intensified nationwide, with more than 160 specialized crews working to restore critical services in Kyiv alone. Authorities established heated shelters operating around-the-clock and distributed hot food and medicine to vulnerable residents. The city had recently modified its wartime curfew to permit movement to these warming centers during nighttime hours.

    This assault occurred despite ongoing trilateral negotiations brokered by the United States in the United Arab Emirates, which adjourned without visible progress but are scheduled to resume next weekend. Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal acknowledged the tremendous challenges in stabilizing power supply, stating that constant enemy attacks prevent normalization of the energy situation.

    Military analysts noted the deployment of sophisticated weaponry, including two rarely-used Tsirkon ballistic missiles among 375 drones and 21 missiles launched overall. The attack pattern demonstrates Russia’s strategic focus on crippling Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during the harshest winter months, creating maximum humanitarian distress while diplomatic efforts continue.

  • Israeli settlers wound elderly Christian Palestinian woman in West Bank attack

    Israeli settlers wound elderly Christian Palestinian woman in West Bank attack

    A 62-year-old Christian Palestinian woman sustained life-threatening injuries during a violent confrontation with Israeli settlers near Birzeit, north of Ramallah, on Saturday. Najat Jadallah Emeid was struck in the head with a large rock at close range, resulting in a fractured skull and requiring intensive care hospitalization.

    The incident began when settlers brought livestock to graze near the Emeid family property on the outskirts of Birzeit, adjacent to the Atara military barrier. According to family members, the settlers deliberately damaged crops and olive trees before launching an unprovoked stone-throwing assault on the family home.

    Najat’s daughter, Nariman Koura, described the harrowing sequence of events: ‘My mother shouted at the settlers to leave after they began breaking olive branches and feeding them to their animals. One settler hit my mother on the leg, causing her to fall, and another then picked up a large rock and struck her on the head while she was defenseless on the ground.’

    Family members attempting to provide medical assistance and defend their property faced additional violence. Najat’s son, Eid Emeid, suffered a broken hand and finger while trying to protect his mother. The situation escalated further when Israeli forces arrived on the scene, arresting multiple family members despite their status as victims of the initial attack.

    The incident reflects a broader pattern of escalating settler violence in the West Bank. According to documentation by the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs, attacks against Christians have increased dramatically, with 69 documented incidents in the second quarter of 2025 alone, including holy site desecrations, vandalism, and physical assaults.

    Wadie Abunassar, coordinator of the Holy Land Christian Forum, condemned the attack in a video statement: ‘I’m almost speechless about these repeated incidents. This terrorism has to stop.’ He noted that international observers feel ‘powerless in the face of ongoing settler violence, especially due to the lack of cooperation from Israeli authorities.’

    Jamal Juma, coordinator of the Stop the Wall campaign, characterized the violence as part of ‘a systematic and well-planned strategy to force Palestinians out of their homes and lands.’ UN documentation indicates that between December 2025 and January 2026, settler attacks resulted in injuries to 33 Palestinians and displaced approximately 100 families through intimidation and threats.

    Despite the trauma, the Emeid family remains resolute. ‘No matter what they do, we will not leave our land,’ Koura affirmed, capturing the determination of many Palestinian families facing similar pressures across the occupied territories.

  • Alcaraz, Djokovic into Australian Open last eight as next gen roars

    Alcaraz, Djokovic into Australian Open last eight as next gen roars

    The Australian Open witnessed a compelling display of generational talent as Carlos Alcaraz delivered a commanding performance to secure his quarterfinal berth, while Novak Djokovic received an unexpected advancement due to his opponent’s injury withdrawal. The tournament’s narrative intensified as emerging contenders demonstrated their growing prowess against established champions.

    At Rod Laver Arena, top-seeded Alcaraz exhibited masterful precision against American Tommy Paul, securing a straight-sets victory (7-6, 6-4, 7-5) without conceding a single set throughout the tournament. The Spanish phenom’s newly refined serving technique, drawing comparisons to Djokovic’s own formidable serve, has evolved into a significant weapon in his arsenal. Alcaraz now prepares to face Australian hopeful Alex de Minaur, who defeated tenth-seeded Alexander Bublik in straight sets.

    Djokovic’s path to a record 25th Grand Slam title became clearer when Czech player Jakub Mensik withdrew due to injury, granting the Serbian champion automatic passage to the quarterfinals. Djokovic awaits the winner between American Taylor Fritz and Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti.

    The women’s draw showcased equally impressive performances as defending champion Aryna Sabalenka maintained her dominant run with a decisive victory against Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko (6-1, 7-6). The Belarusian top seed now confronts American sensation Iva Jovic, who delivered a stunning 53-minute demolition of Yulia Putintseva (6-0, 6-1). The 18-year-old Jovic has emerged as the youngest player to reach the women’s quarterfinals without dropping a set since Venus Williams in 1998.

    Third-seeded Coco Gauff faced substantial resistance before overcoming Karolina Muchova in a three-set battle (6-1, 3-6, 6-3). The American will next face either Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina or Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva.

    The tournament’s emerging storyline features 20-year-old American Learner Tien, who achieved a remarkable straight-sets victory over three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev despite requiring medical treatment for a nosebleed. Tien becomes the youngest men’s quarterfinalist at Melbourne Park since Nick Kyrgios in 2015.

  • Dubai motorists lose nearly 4 days to traffic in 2025 as congestion rises

    Dubai motorists lose nearly 4 days to traffic in 2025 as congestion rises

    Dubai’s escalating traffic congestion reached critical levels in 2025 as motorists collectively wasted 72 hours stuck in gridlock—equivalent to losing three full days to commuting delays. This represents a significant deterioration from previous years, with drivers spending an additional 6.23 hours in traffic compared to 2024.

    The root cause of this transportation crisis stems from Dubai’s unprecedented population growth, which surpassed four million residents for the first time. This demographic surge directly translated to increased vehicle numbers, with toll gate operator Salik reporting 4.65 million active registered vehicles by Q3 2025—nearly 100,000 more than the previous quarter.

    Traffic analytics from TomTom’s comprehensive study reveal alarming metrics: the average 10-kilometer journey now requires 19.1 minutes—a substantial increase from 13.7 minutes in 2024. During peak hours, average speeds plummeted to 26.3 km/h, while highway velocities decreased by 2.1 km/h to 70.5 km/h.

    November 11 emerged as the year’s most congested day, with evening rush hour congestion reaching 168% at 5 PM. The data highlights a striking disparity between morning and evening commutes—traveling 10 kilometers took 18.4 minutes in mornings but ballooned to 26.3 minutes during evening peaks, reducing average speeds from 32.1 km/h to 22.6 km/h.

    In response to this growing challenge, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has initiated billion-dirham infrastructure projects including new bridges at World Trade Centre Roundabout, expanded lanes on Al Hessa Street, enhanced airport access roads, and critical upgrades to Emirates Road. The situation is further complicated by daily inbound traffic from neighboring emirates including Sharjah, Ajman, and Abu Dhabi.

  • Arsenal rocked by Man Utd, Villa rekindle Premier League title bid

    Arsenal rocked by Man Utd, Villa rekindle Premier League title bid

    The Premier League title landscape underwent a seismic shift on Sunday as Manchester United delivered a devastating blow to Arsenal’s championship aspirations with a dramatic 3-2 victory at the Emirates Stadium. The result marked Arsenal’s first home defeat of the campaign and threw the title race wide open.

    United’s triumph was characterized by remarkable resilience after falling behind to an early Lisandro Martinez own goal. The Red Devils demonstrated their fighting spirit with Bryan Mbeumo capitalizing on a defensive error to equalize before Patrick Dorgu’s spectacular strike gave the visitors the lead after the interval.

    Despite Arsenal’s persistent pressure and Mikel Merino’s late set-piece equalizer in the 84th minute, United had the final word. Matheus Cunha’s stunning long-range effort moments later secured three crucial points for Michael Carrick’s resurgent side, who now find themselves in the top four for the first time this season.

    Meanwhile, Aston Villa capitalized on Arsenal’s stumble with a commanding 2-0 victory at St. James’ Park against Newcastle United. Unai Emery’s tactical mastery was on full display as Emiliano Buendia’s brilliant outside-the-box strike and Ollie Watkins’ clinical header secured Villa’s first win at Newcastle in 21 years. The victory brings Villa level on points with Manchester City and within four points of league leaders Arsenal.

    In London, Chelsea continued their impressive form under interim manager Liam Rosenior with a 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace. Brazilian talents Estevao and Joao Pedro combined effectively before Enzo Fernandez’s penalty sealed Chelsea’s fourth win in five matches, further cementing their European qualification ambitions.

    At the other end of the table, Nottingham Forest significantly boosted their survival hopes with a crucial 2-0 win against Brentford, moving five points clear of the relegation zone through goals from Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi.

  • Voting concludes for all three phases of Myanmar’s general election

    Voting concludes for all three phases of Myanmar’s general election

    Myanmar has successfully completed its extensive three-phase general election process, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s democratic journey. The final voting phase concluded on Sunday afternoon across approximately 60 townships, bringing closure to a comprehensive electoral exercise that spanned multiple regions.

    The electoral process, characterized by its staggered approach, commenced with the initial phase conducted in 102 townships on December 28 of the previous year. This was followed by the second electoral round covering 100 townships on January 11, culminating in Sunday’s final voting session. The multi-phase structure allowed for thorough administration across Myanmar’s diverse constituencies.

    According to official data released by the Union Election Commission (UEC), the electoral contest featured an impressive roster of approximately 5,000 candidates representing 57 distinct political parties. These candidates competed for representation across multiple legislative bodies, including the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House), the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House), and various Region and State Hluttaws (regional parliaments).

    The electoral framework encompassed 263 constituencies for the Pyithu Hluttaw, while the Amyotha Hluttaw elections utilized a dual-system approach with 73 constituencies operating under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system and 26 following proportional representation (PR) principles. Regional parliamentary elections similarly employed both FPTP (255 constituencies) and PR (42 constituencies) systems, supplemented by 29 specialized ethnic constituencies.

    Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for Myanmar’s National Defense and Security Council, has indicated that the newly elected parliament will convene in March, with the formal transition to a new government scheduled for April. This electoral cycle represents Myanmar’s first general election since November 2020, signaling a renewed commitment to democratic processes amid the country’s ongoing political evolution.

  • Dubai airport and mall trips topped ride-hailing journeys in 2025, report reveals

    Dubai airport and mall trips topped ride-hailing journeys in 2025, report reveals

    New mobility data from Yango Ride reveals Dubai’s airports and major shopping centers dominated ride-hailing destinations throughout 2025, highlighting shifting urban transportation patterns across the UAE. The comprehensive report indicates Zayed International and Dubai International Airports recorded the highest frequency of rides, closely followed by prominent leisure and retail hubs including Yas Mall and Dubai Mall.

    The study demonstrates how ride-hailing services have transitioned from occasional convenience to essential urban infrastructure, seamlessly integrating into daily routines for work commutes, shopping expeditions, and social engagements. Concurrently, the data reveals a pronounced consumer preference for practical economy vehicles over premium options across the MENA region. Mid-size sedans, particularly Toyota Camry models, emerged as the most frequently utilized vehicle category, reflecting user prioritization of predictable pricing, consistent availability, and functional comfort.

    Hisham Bakry, a frequent business traveler, commented: ‘I utilize airport rides weekly for both professional and personal commitments. Economy options provide optimal practicality and affordability when traveling light—reliability consistently outweighs luxury considerations for my needs.’

    The report further notes remarkably efficient service metrics, with Abu Dhabi maintaining average pickup times under six minutes, underscoring the sector’s evolution toward dependable urban mobility solutions.

    Concurrently, artificial intelligence integration has dramatically expanded within transportation platforms. Yango Yasmina recorded substantial user engagement growth during Q4 2025, with average daily interactions reaching 22 and peaking at 44 on high-demand days. Notably, 60% of platform interactions occurred primarily in Arabic, indicating strong localization adoption.

    Ahmed El-Sayed, 22, explained: ‘AI assistants streamline ride requests through natural language processing and comparative service analysis. However, dynamic traffic conditions and sudden surge pricing can occasionally impact recommendation accuracy.’

    Sara Magboul praised Arabic-language interfaces for reducing booking complexities: ‘Native language functionality eliminates navigation guesswork and ensures transparent pricing and pickup details, significantly reducing travel stress.’

  • Odia music composer-singer Abhijit Majumdar dies

    Odia music composer-singer Abhijit Majumdar dies

    The cultural landscape of Odisha suffered a profound loss on January 25, 2026, with the passing of revered music composer and vocalist Abhijit Majumdar. The acclaimed artist, whose career spanned several decades, was celebrated for his soulful contributions to Odia cinema and music albums, establishing himself as an iconic figure within the state’s artistic community.

    Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi formally announced the tragic news through social media, characterizing Majumdar’s death as “an irreparable loss to our music, cinema, and culture.” The Chief Minister extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and offered prayers for eternal peace to the departed soul.

    Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan joined the chorus of tributes, acknowledging how Majumdar’s distinctive musical style had secured a permanent place in the hearts of Odia listeners over many decades. Pradhan emphasized that the artist’s untimely departure represents a significant void in Odia’s artistic heritage.

    The news triggered an outpouring of grief across both political and cultural spheres. Baijayant Jay Panda, Member of Parliament from Odisha, emotionally described the tragedy as marking “the end of an era” for the state’s music industry. Fans and colleagues alike expressed shock and sorrow, flooding social media platforms with personal memories and tributes to Majumdar’s enduring legacy.

    Majumdar’s extensive body of work, comprising numerous compositions for Odia films and independent albums, had earned him a substantial and devoted following throughout eastern India. His artistic contributions played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s contemporary musical identity, blending traditional Odia elements with modern arrangements that resonated across generations.

  • Philippine mayor escapes ambush; 3 suspects killed, 2 bodyguards wounded

    Philippine mayor escapes ambush; 3 suspects killed, 2 bodyguards wounded

    A prominent Philippine municipal leader narrowly escaped assassination on Sunday morning when armed assailants launched a coordinated attack on his motorcade using military-grade weaponry. Mayor Akmad Ampatuan Sr. of Shariff Aguak municipality emerged unscathed from the ambush, though two of his security detail sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the ferocious assault.

    The violent incident unfolded approximately at 6:30 a.m. local time in Barangay Poblacion, where attackers employed a B40 anti-tank rocket alongside high-caliber rifles to target the official’s convoy. According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations, the assailants initiated their offensive from a white minivan before attempting to flee the scene in a separate grey minivan.

    A rapid response joint task force comprising police and military personnel immediately pursued the suspects, resulting in a fatal confrontation that left three alleged attackers deceased. Security forces subsequently recovered multiple high-powered firearms from the abandoned assault vehicle.

    Executive Assistant Anwar Kuit Emblawa confirmed the mayor’s safety, noting that Ampatuan had been traveling in his armored sports utility vehicle during the attack. The official’s backup pickup truck sustained significant ballistic damage from the sustained weapons fire.

    The wounded bodyguards received immediate medical attention at Bangsamoro Regional and Medical Center in Dattu Hoffer, where physicians reported both were in stable condition. This event marks the third known attempt on Mayor Ampatuan’s life within the past five-year period, raising serious concerns about political violence in the restive Maguindanao del Sur region.

    Law enforcement authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise motives behind the latest assassination attempt and identify potential masterminds. The incident has heightened security alerts for local government officials throughout the southern Philippine provinces.

  • People cling to treetops as ‘worst floods in a generation’ sweep Mozambique

    People cling to treetops as ‘worst floods in a generation’ sweep Mozambique

    Mozambique is grappling with its most devastating flooding event in a generation, as relentless rainfall over two weeks has submerged vast regions of south and central Mozambique. The catastrophic inundation has prompted massive international rescue operations, with emergency teams from Brazil, South Africa, and the United Kingdom assisting in life-saving efforts.

    According to provisional data from Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction, the flooding has affected 642,122 people since January 7th, with at least 12 flood-related deaths recorded. The overall death toll since the rainy season began in October has reached 125 people.

    The Inkomati River’s breach of its banks has been particularly destructive, forcing residents like 24-year-old mechanic Tomaz Antonio Mlau and his family to abandon their home near Marracuene, approximately 30 kilometers north of the capital Maputo. “For me, this is the first time I have experienced a calamity of this magnitude,” Mlau stated, noting that elders recall similar devastation occurring in the 1990s.

    Thousands of displaced citizens have found temporary refuge in six emergency centers established in schools and churches throughout the region. At Gwazamutini Secondary School alone, approximately 4,000 people are receiving shelter, primarily farmers from low-lying agricultural areas who have lost everything to the rising waters.

    Sixty-seven-year-old rice farmer Francisco Fernando Chivindzi described the unprecedented scale of the disaster: “The floodwaters reached heights we weren’t expecting. We have never experienced this level of flooding in my lifetime.” Like many others, Chivindzi lost his home, possessions, and livestock in the deluge.

    Rescue operations face significant challenges as some residents refuse to evacuate danger zones, clinging to treetops and rooftops to protect their property. Marracuene municipality Mayor Shafee Sidat reported that more than 10,000 people are affected in his district alone, with rescuers struggling to reach those who resist evacuation.

    The crisis is expected to worsen as heavy rains in neighboring South Africa threaten to release additional water from dams into the Inkomati River system. Mayor Sidat expressed grave concern: “We are worried about discharges of a South African dam on the Inkomati River. Our town is the last one downstream before the waters flow into the Indian Ocean.”

    The flooding has severely disrupted transportation, with all vehicles banned from roads between Maputo and Gaza provinces after the N1 highway—the country’s primary north-south artery—became impassable. This suspension has triggered supply chain disruptions, resulting in shortages and price increases for basic foodstuffs and fuel as far away as Tete, over 1,500 kilometers from the capital.

    For those in emergency shelters, food scarcity remains a pressing concern. Aninha Vicente Mivinga, a police officer and mother of two, described the initial food shortages: “It was painful to see children sleeping without anything to eat, except biscuits.” While conditions have improved, adequate nutrition remains uncertain for many displaced families.

    The education system faces significant disruption, with Education Minister Samaria Tovela indicating that the cabinet may reschedule the start of the 2026 academic year to allow schools to continue serving as accommodation centers for flood victims.

    As recovery efforts continue, residents face uncertain futures. While some like Chivindzi remain determined to “restart life from scratch” in their home communities, others like Mlau express hesitation about returning to flood-prone areas even after waters recede, highlighting the long-term challenges Mozambique will face following this unprecedented natural disaster.