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  • Carlos Alcaraz makes tennis history at Australian Open

    Carlos Alcaraz makes tennis history at Australian Open

    In a stunning display of athletic prowess, Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz has etched his name in the annals of sports history by capturing the Australian Open men’s singles title. The monumental victory, achieved on February 1, 2026, at Melbourne Park, completes his career Grand Slam at just 22 years of age—making him the youngest male player ever to conquer all four major tournaments.

    The championship match presented a classic generational showdown, with Alcaraz overcoming 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in a four-set thriller (2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5). Djokovic, who was vying to set a new standalone record with his 25th major singles title, found himself outmaneuvered by the younger player’s explosive energy and strategic brilliance.

    Born in Murcia, Spain in 2003, Alcaraz first picked up a racquet at age four. His meteoric rise began with his first Grand Slam victory at the 2022 US Open when he was just 19, making him the youngest men’s champion since Rafael Nadal in 2005. Shortly thereafter, he became the youngest player ever to reach the world No. 1 ATP ranking at 19 years and 130 days. With this Australian Open triumph, Alcaraz now boasts seven Grand Slam titles in his growing collection.

    Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, Elena Rybakina claimed the singles title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka, adding another chapter to her own distinguished career. The 2026 Australian Open, held from January 18 to February 1, continues to showcase tennis’s evolving landscape where new champions rise to challenge established legends.

  • Bitcoin crashes below $80,000 as dollar surge sparks risk-off wave

    Bitcoin crashes below $80,000 as dollar surge sparks risk-off wave

    A significant downturn has gripped cryptocurrency markets as Bitcoin tumbled below the critical $80,000 threshold, marking its most severe monthly decline in over a year. The premier digital asset plummeted nearly 8% during Saturday’s trading session, reaching values not witnessed since April 2025, with subsequent trading stabilizing near $78,160. This downward trajectory precipitated a substantial erosion of total cryptocurrency market capitalization, which now stands diminished below $2.8 trillion.

    The market contagion extended across major altcoins, with Solana and Dogecoin experiencing approximately 13% depreciations to $102.90 and $0.10 respectively, while Ripple witnessed a 10% contraction to $1.56. Bitcoin’s market valuation has consequently been eclipsed by Tesla Inc., relegating it to the twelfth position among globally ranked assets by capitalization according to CoinGecko metrics. The weekly performance reveals a 9% contraction for Bitcoin, with the CoinDesk 20 Index—tracking prominent tokens—registering a more pronounced 12.4% decline. This bearish sentiment has propelled the Crypto Fear & Greed Index into ‘extreme fear’ territory.

    Market analysts attribute this pronounced risk-off transition to shifting macroeconomic expectations. President Donald Trump’s nomination of former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh—perceived as markedly more hawkish than incumbent Chair Jerome Powell—as prospective Federal Reserve leadership triggered substantial dollar appreciation and interest rate recalibrations. The US Dollar Index ascended to multi-month peaks alongside rising Treasury yields, catalyzing broad-based capital rotation from risk-sensitive assets including cryptocurrencies, equities, and precious metals.

    Technical analysis from Glassnode indicates Bitcoin has breached crucial support levels, descending below the $83,400 threshold representing short-term holder cost basis. This breakdown suggests potential further decline toward the $80,700 ‘True Market Mean’ level, which has subsequently been violated. Despite these developments, on-chain metrics reveal only 19.5% of short-term holder supply currently resides ‘underwater’—significantly beneath the 55% threshold typically indicative of market capitulation.

    Derivatives markets reflect prevailing caution through muted funding rates and diminished appetite for leveraged long positions. Options traders have intensified demand for downside protection, with dealer positioning turning negative beneath $90,000—a dynamic potentially exacerbating volatility should additional support levels deteriorate.

    Institutional participation has compounded selling pressure, with spot Bitcoin ETFs recording substantial single-day net outflows approximating $818 million. This institutional reticence to ‘buy the dip’ coincides with Ethereum’s pronounced decline beneath $2,500, amplifying concerns regarding deteriorating risk appetite across digital asset markets.

    Santiment data reveals social media sentiment has reached extreme bearish levels, historically a contrarian indicator preceding short-term rebounds. Nevertheless, cryptocurrency specialists note the absence of volume surges and leverage resets characteristic of durable market bottoms. Experts suggest continued price erosion toward the $74,000–$76,000 support range remains probable absent improvements in spot demand and ETF flow stabilization, with downside risks persisting amid tightening liquidity conditions and escalating macroeconomic uncertainty.

  • Video: Firing reported outside director Rohit Shetty’s Mumbai home; probe underway

    Video: Firing reported outside director Rohit Shetty’s Mumbai home; probe underway

    Mumbai police have launched a comprehensive investigation following a security breach at the residence of acclaimed Bollywood director Rohit Shetty. Unidentified assailants discharged approximately four rounds of gunfire outside the filmmaker’s residential complex in the upscale Juhu neighborhood early Sunday morning, according to official police statements.

    The incident prompted immediate deployment of heightened security personnel around Shetty’s residential tower, with forensic experts conducting meticulous examination of the premises. Law enforcement authorities have cordoned off the area while gathering evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the alarming event.

    Police officials confirmed that no casualties or injuries resulted from the shooting, providing some relief to the concerned film community and local residents. Investigators are pursuing multiple angles to establish motive and identify perpetrators behind the targeted attack on one of India’s most prominent cinematic figures.

    Rohit Shetty, renowned for blockbuster action-comedy franchises including ‘Golmaal’ and ‘Singham’, represents a significant figure in contemporary Indian cinema. The incident has raised questions about celebrity security protocols in Mumbai, India’s entertainment capital.

    Authorities have assured thorough investigation into all potential connections, including possible professional disputes or attempted intimidation. The film industry has expressed solidarity with the director, awaiting further developments in this concerning security breach.

  • US judge declines to halt Trump’s Minnesota immigration agent surge

    US judge declines to halt Trump’s Minnesota immigration agent surge

    A Minnesota federal court has declined to intervene in President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis-St. Paul, allowing the contentious program to continue despite allegations of systemic civil rights violations. U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez, appointed by former President Biden, issued the ruling on Saturday, rejecting the Minnesota Attorney General’s request to halt or restrict the Department of Homeland Security initiative that has deployed thousands of federal agents to the region.

    The judicial decision comes amid escalating tensions in the Twin Cities area, where the operation has sparked sustained protests and resulted in the fatal shootings of two American citizens by federal personnel. The lawsuit filed by Minnesota officials accused immigration agents of engaging in racial profiling, implementing unlawful detainment practices, and employing excessively aggressive tactics that have created widespread fear within communities.

    Judge Menendez justified her ruling by referencing a recent federal appeals court decision that stayed a more limited injunction against Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota. “If that injunction went too far, then the one at issue here—halting the entire operation—certainly would,” she stated in her written opinion.

    The political dimension of the conflict became increasingly apparent as Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, an elected Democrat, accused the Trump administration of targeting the state due to its Democratic political orientation. Meanwhile, administration officials defended the operation as necessary for enforcing federal immigration laws in accordance with presidential policies.

    The situation intensified significantly following two high-profile incidents: the January 7 shooting of Renee Good, who was killed in her car by an immigration agent, and the January 24 fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent. Both incidents were captured on video and circulated widely, contradicting official accounts that the agents acted in self-defense.

    In a notable development, President Trump indicated on Saturday that future federal law enforcement deployments would require explicit requests from local authorities. “If they want help, they have to ask for it,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, adding that unsolicited interventions typically result in complaints rather than appreciation.

    The ruling represents a temporary victory for the administration’s immigration enforcement approach while legal challenges continue to develop. Ellison acknowledged the setback but emphasized that the legal battle remains in its early stages, with additional avenues for challenge still available.

  • How non-Muslim expats can register wills in UAE: Procedure explained

    How non-Muslim expats can register wills in UAE: Procedure explained

    The United Arab Emirates has established a comprehensive legal framework enabling non-Muslim expatriates to formally register wills through multiple jurisdictional pathways. This system provides crucial estate planning security for the country’s substantial foreign resident population.

    Under Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status Law, non-Muslim foreigners residing in the UAE may choose to apply their home country’s legal provisions regarding inheritance and wills, provided they do not conflict with specific articles of existing UAE legislation. This foundational principle grants expatriates significant autonomy in determining how their estates will be managed.

    For residents of Dubai, Law No. 15 of 2017 Concerning the Administration of Estates and Implementation of Wills of Non-Muslims establishes specialized registries at both Dubai Courts and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts. These registries accept wills that encompass a testator’s global assets, including real estate holdings, financial accounts, business shares, intellectual property, and digital assets such as social media accounts.

    The DIFC Wills Service Centre maintains specific requirements for document validation, mandating that wills be presented in English, witnessed by at least two competent adults, and physically signed by the testator in the presence of authorized officials. Similar services are available through the Abu Dhabi Global Markets Courts, providing additional options for residents of the capital emirate.

    Alternatively, expatriates may opt to register wills through their home country’s diplomatic missions, provided such consular services are available. This multi-option system reflects the UAE’s recognition of its diverse international community and the importance of providing clear, accessible estate planning mechanisms for all residents.

    Legal experts emphasize that proper will registration ensures that an individual’s assets are distributed according to their wishes rather than default inheritance laws, which is particularly important for expatriates with complex international holdings and family circumstances.

  • Melania director Brett Ratner pictured cuddling woman in Epstein files

    Melania director Brett Ratner pictured cuddling woman in Epstein files

    Newly unsealed court documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case have revealed compromising photographs featuring filmmaker Brett Ratner in the company of the convicted sex offender. The images, released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday, depict the “Rush Hour” director seated alongside Epstein and two unidentified women on a sofa, with all female identities deliberately obscured for privacy protection.

    These documents form part of a massive trove of evidence pertaining to Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The release coincides with the controversial debut of Ratner’s latest project, “Melania: 20 Days to History,” a documentary offering behind-the-scenes access to the former First Lady during the transition to her husband’s presidency.

    The timing proves particularly challenging for Ratner, marking his professional return since facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct during the peak of the #MeToo movement in 2017—claims he has consistently denied. His documentary has already faced significant criticism from both film reviewers and political analysts concerning its connections to the Trump administration and its funding sources.

    Beyond Ratner, the documents shed new light on Epstein’s associations with numerous high-profile figures, including business magnate Elon Musk, former UK Cabinet Minister Lord Peter Mandelson, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and Prince Andrew (formally known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor). Among the most striking revelations are images apparently showing the former Duke of York in a compromising position with a woman.

    The document release also revisits the case of Jean-Luc Brunel, the French modeling executive who was found dead in his Paris prison cell in 2022 while under investigation for allegedly procuring young women for Epstein. Brunel, who co-founded modeling agencies with Epstein’s financial backing, appeared alongside both Ratner and Epstein in previously released photographs from the same location.

    Legal provisions mandate that all released files undergo thorough redaction to protect victim identities and preserve ongoing investigations, though victim advocates have noted some survivors’ identities were inadvertently disclosed.

  • A-level exams 2026: Key dates, fees; what students need to know

    A-level exams 2026: Key dates, fees; what students need to know

    As the 2026 A-level examination period approaches, approximately one thousand students throughout the United Arab Emirates are intensifying their preparations for these critical academic assessments that significantly influence future educational pathways. The examination window has been officially scheduled from May 11 to June 23, 2026, with results anticipated for release on August 13, 2026.

    Administrative protocols confirm that AS-level examinations will coincide with the same testing period as their A-level counterparts. Unlike GCSE assessments, A-level examinations generally exclude formula or equation sheets for mathematical, scientific, or economic disciplines, requiring candidates to memorize and appropriately apply relevant formulas during testing.

    Financial considerations indicate examination fees ranging between AED 350 to AED 900 per subject, with variations depending on both the specific subject and examining board. Institutional policies differ regarding fee structures, with some educational establishments incorporating these costs within tuition fees while others levy them as separate charges.

    The grading framework employs a letter-based system from A* to E, with U denoting ungraded performance. Grading boundaries demonstrate annual variability, reflecting examination difficulty and overall cohort performance rather than predetermined distribution percentages. AS-level assessments utilize a parallel grading scale from A to E, excluding the A* designation.

    Recent statistical analysis reveals Mathematics maintains its position as the most frequently selected A-level subject, accounting for 112,138 entries (12.7% of total submissions) during the 2025 examination cycle. Psychology and Biology followed with 75,943 and 71,400 entries respectively, while Chemistry, Business Studies, Physics, History, Sociology, and Art & Design completed the top ten subject preferences.

    Educational institutions are implementing comprehensive support mechanisms addressing both academic preparation and psychological wellbeing during this high-pressure period. These initiatives encompass evidence-based revision methodologies, wellness programs promoting balanced routines, and mental health resources tailored to examination stressors.

  • Knocking on the stone-framed door

    Knocking on the stone-framed door

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has formally established stringent copyright protection protocols governing all digital content published through its platforms. The comprehensive policy explicitly prohibits unauthorized republication or utilization of any materials—including textual content, photographic imagery, and multimedia information—without obtaining prior written consent from CDIC.

    The company’s terms of service specify technical requirements for optimal user experience, recommending display resolutions of 1024*768 pixels or higher for proper content rendering. CDIC maintains multiple official licensing credentials, including Online Multimedia Publishing License 0108263 and Registration Number 130349, underscoring its compliance with China’s digital publishing regulations.

    Additionally, the organization provides clear channels for commercial engagements through its advertising partnerships and career opportunities through its expatriate employment program. The policy statement concludes with invitations for audience engagement through various social media platforms, emphasizing the company’s commitment to maintaining both content integrity and user accessibility.

  • Watch: Sukhoi 57, F-16 model jet perform high-speed loops, rolls in Dubai skies

    Watch: Sukhoi 57, F-16 model jet perform high-speed loops, rolls in Dubai skies

    The skies above Dubai became an arena for high-performance aviation during the Model Aircraft Airshow Dubai (MAAD), where scale-model fighter jets demonstrated breathtaking aerial capabilities that rivaled their full-sized counterparts. Over two days at Sky Hub RC in Lisaili, hundreds of spectators witnessed meticulously engineered replica aircraft, including Russian Sukhoi-57 and American F-16 models, executing precision maneuvers at speeds exceeding 350 km/h.

    Veteran pilot Michael Dressendoerfer, with three decades of model aircraft experience, showcased a 42kg F-16 replica generating 420 newtons of thrust. The aircraft performed sharp turns, rapid rolls, and controlled dives that elicited enthusiastic applause from the audience. The event featured diverse aircraft designs spanning historical wartime planes to cutting-edge fighter jet replicas, each requiring months of precise engineering and testing.

    First-time attendees expressed astonishment at the performance level. Dubai resident Ahmed Hassan noted, ‘When the jet passed close to the ground, everyone went silent. Then people started clapping. It actually feels like a real airshow.’ Maria Lopez, a visitor from Spain, added, ‘I thought these were just small toy planes, but the skill involved is unbelievable.’

    The aviation spectacle transitioned to ground-based excitement with high-powered drag racing demonstrations featuring burnouts and tight turns that filled the arena with smoke and engine roars. Behind the scenes, engineers emphasized the painstaking construction process, with Friedrich Huffman explaining, ‘Everything has to be exact. Even a few millimeters can change how the plane behaves in the air. We test it many times on the ground before it ever flies.’

    The event successfully demonstrated that advanced aeronautical engineering and piloting expertise transcend aircraft size, delivering a comprehensive entertainment experience that blended aerial precision with ground-level adrenaline.

  • Further Russia-Ukraine talks scheduled for next week, says Zelenskyy

    Further Russia-Ukraine talks scheduled for next week, says Zelenskyy

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Sunday that the next phase of diplomatic negotiations between Ukrainian, Russian, and American delegations will occur on February 4th and 5th in Abu Dhabi. The announcement came via Zelenskyy’s Telegram channel, where he emphasized Ukraine’s readiness for substantive discussions aimed at achieving a “real and dignified end to the war.

    The trilateral meetings represent a continuation of peace efforts that have been ongoing for approximately one year under the Trump administration’s mediation. These talks seek to resolve Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has persisted for nearly four years with devastating humanitarian and geopolitical consequences.

    While Ukrainian officials have expressed commitment to meaningful dialogue, neither U.S. nor Russian representatives provided immediate commentary following Zelenskyy’s statement. The development follows a recent meeting between top Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev and American peacemaking delegates in Florida, described by Dmitriev as “constructive.

    Substantial disagreements remain between Moscow and Kyiv regarding the fundamental structure of any potential agreement. The most contentious issue centers on territorial control, particularly in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region. Disputes persist over whether Russian forces should maintain control of currently occupied territories or withdraw entirely, and whether additional land concessions should be made beyond current frontlines.

    The Abu Dhabi talks occur against a backdrop of severe winter conditions affecting civilian infrastructure across Ukraine and Moldova, with power outages exacerbating the humanitarian situation as temperatures drop.