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  • Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon blast ‘Israel First’ at fractious Maga conference

    Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon blast ‘Israel First’ at fractious Maga conference

    A prominent conservative convention in the United States has erupted in internal conflict as leading figures within the Make America Great Again movement clash sharply over American foreign policy toward Israel.

    The Turning Point USA organization is currently hosting its America Fest event, marking its first major assembly since the passing of founder Charlie Kirk earlier this year. The gathering has become a stage for increasingly public divisions among right-wing commentators regarding the extent of U.S. support for Israel.

    During his address, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro launched a vehement attack against former Fox News host Tucker Carlson for his recent interview with right-wing influencer Nick Fuentes. Shapiro characterized Fuentes as ‘a Hitler apologist, Nazi-loving, anti-American piece of refuse’ and condemned Carlson’s decision to platform him as ‘an act of moral imbecility.’

    Carlson responded forcefully in his own speech, criticizing what he described as attempts to suppress legitimate criticism of Israel. ‘Most Americans have more in common with each other than they disagree on,’ Carlson asserted. ‘And almost everybody agrees on that. And almost everybody is willing to tolerate a good-faith argument about how to get there.’

    The former television host directly challenged Israel’s military actions, stating: ‘If a man commits a crime, do we kill his kids? I don’t care if it’s in Minneapolis or Gaza City. No, we don’t.’ He further emphasized that ‘God is not on any country’s side’ and condemned anti-Muslim bigotry as ‘disgusting.’

    Adding to the controversy, former White House strategist Steve Bannon declared that the late Charlie Kirk had opposed ‘this concept of greater Israel and Israel first.’ Bannon launched his own attack against Shapiro, describing him as ‘like a cancer, and that cancer spreads.’ In remarks that drew cheers from the audience, Bannon controversially claimed that ‘the number one enemy to the people in Israel are American Jews that do not support Israel and do not support Maga.’

    Broadcaster Megan Kelly observed that ‘there was a rift within the Maga movement even before we lost Charlie… and it revolves around Israel,’ indicating these divisions predate the current conflict.

    The event also featured political endorsements, with Charlie Kirk’s widow Erica Kirk, now leading Turning Point USA, publicly supporting US Vice President JD Vance for a potential 2028 presidential run.

  • Coldplay ‘cheating’ scandal, Ind-Pak handshake controversy: 10 viral incidents in 2025

    Coldplay ‘cheating’ scandal, Ind-Pak handshake controversy: 10 viral incidents in 2025

    The year 2025 witnessed an unprecedented convergence of celebrity culture, political upheaval, and digital phenomena that collectively dominated global online discourse. These incidents demonstrated the internet’s power to rapidly amplify stories, creating shared cultural moments that transcended geographical boundaries while simultaneously exposing deep societal divisions.

    A defining moment emerged from the music world when Coldplay’s July concert in Massachusetts unexpectedly triggered a corporate scandal. Frontman Chris Martin’s playful commentary during a kiss-cam segment inadvertently exposed astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR Chief Kristin Cabot in an intimate moment. The viral footage sparked immediate backlash, resulting in both executives resigning amid internal reviews and intense public scrutiny that escalated to death threats and widespread shaming.

    In parallel, the political landscape saw significant milestones with Zohran Mamdani’s historic election as New York’s first Muslim mayor. His victory against fierce opposition from conservative factions represented a cultural shift, while his marriage to Syrian-American artist Rama Duwaji became an unexpected internet sensation, humanizing the politician through their cross-cultural romance.

    The sports world confronted questions of sportsmanship when India’s cricket team deliberately avoided post-match handshakes with Pakistani opponents during the Asia Cup tournament. This diplomatic snub, defended as alignment with government policy, sparked international debate about politics’ encroachment into athletic competition.

    Entertainment controversies proliferated as Sydney Sweeney faced accusations of promoting Eurocentric beauty standards in an American Eagle advertisement, while Katy Perry’s space tourism expedition drew criticism for its perceived environmental insensitivity during economic struggles. The music world witnessed Kendrick Lamar’s politically charged Super Bowl performance, which incorporated his Drake diss track ‘Not Like Us’ alongside symbolic commentary on racial inequality.

    Legal dramas dominated headlines throughout the year, from Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively’s escalating $650 million mutual lawsuits to Diddy’s criminal conviction for transportation to engage in prostitution, resulting in a four-year prison sentence. The year’s most tragic incident came with the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a campus event, which sparked complex conversations about political violence and gun culture.

    Amid these high-profile events, a lighter moment emerged from Indonesia where 11-year-old Rayyan Arkan Dikha’s traditional dance on a racing boat spawned the ‘Aura Farming’ trend, demonstrating the internet’s capacity for joyful virality alongside its more divisive tendencies.

    Collectively, these incidents illustrated 2025’s digital landscape: a realm where authentic moments could trigger massive consequences, where political and cultural battles played out through viral content, and where the line between entertainment and serious discourse became increasingly blurred.

  • Look: UAE President receives French counterpart in Zayed National Museum for working visit

    Look: UAE President receives French counterpart in Zayed National Museum for working visit

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi on Sunday for a comprehensive working visit. The meeting marked a strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations, with both leaders exchanging New Year greetings and expressing mutual wishes for continued progress and prosperity.

    The high-level discussions focused on enhancing the historical and strategic partnership between the UAE and France, with particular emphasis on expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. Key areas of mutual interest included economic development, investment opportunities, cultural exchange, renewable energy initiatives, advanced technology integration, artificial intelligence development, and sustainability projects. These collaborative efforts align with both countries’ shared vision for long-term development and prosperity.

    The diplomatic gathering was attended by prominent UAE officials including Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs. The French delegation included multiple ministers and senior officials, reflecting the importance both nations place on this strategic partnership.

    President Sheikh Mohamed hosted an official luncheon in honor of President Macron and his accompanying delegation, following the productive working discussions. Macron’s arrival earlier in the day at the Presidential Flight in Abu Dhabi was formally received by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan alongside several senior UAE officials, demonstrating the high protocol extended to the visiting French leader.

  • Vice-chairman of CPPCC Jiangxi Provincial Committee placed under investigation

    Vice-chairman of CPPCC Jiangxi Provincial Committee placed under investigation

    The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and National Supervisory Commission announced on Sunday the initiation of a disciplinary probe into Yin Jianye, Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Jiangxi Provincial Committee. The investigation concerns alleged serious violations of Party discipline and laws, marking another high-profile case in China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign.

    Yin Jianye, 62, a member of the Bai ethnic group and native of Yunnan province, has maintained a long political career since joining the Communist Party of China in 1985. His professional journey began in 1986, culminating in his transfer to Jiangxi province in October 2015 after extensive service in Yunnan.

    During his tenure in Yunnan, Yin held several significant positions including Director of the Provincial Audit Department, Party Chief of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and Vice Governor of Yunnan. Following his relocation to Jiangxi, he ascended through provincial leadership roles serving as Vice Governor, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee, and Head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs. He assumed his current position as CPPCC Vice-Chairman in 2022.

    This investigation continues a pattern of disciplinary actions against senior Jiangxi political figures. In June 2025, former CPPCC Jiangxi Vice-Chairman Hu Youtao faced similar scrutiny, resulting in his expulsion from the Party by December of that year, with his bribery case subsequently transferred to judicial authorities.

    Another former vice-chairman, Hu Qiang, underwent investigation in February 2024, leading to his expulsion from the Party in August that year. By September 2025, he received a 13-year prison sentence for bribery in his first trial, demonstrating the serious consequences for such violations.

  • When Sheikh Zayed opened a hospital in remote UAE town 44 years ago today

    When Sheikh Zayed opened a hospital in remote UAE town 44 years ago today

    December 21st marks the 44th anniversary of a seminal moment in UAE healthcare history when the nation’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, inaugurated a comprehensive medical facility in the remote western town of Ghayathi. This strategic investment in December 1981 demonstrated the leader’s unwavering commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare access for all citizens, regardless of their geographical location.

    The 50-bed hospital represented a significant advancement in medical infrastructure for the Western Region, featuring segregated outpatient clinics for men and women alongside multiple specialized treatment departments. The inauguration ceremony attracted prominent figures including Sheikh Mohammed bin Butti, the Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, and Ahmed Khalifa Al Suweidi, the President’s Representative, underscoring the project’s national importance.

    Historical accounts from Khaleej Times document Sheikh Zayed’s personal involvement in the facility’s launch, where he emphasized the government’s dedication to fulfilling citizen aspirations through modern healthcare infrastructure. During his address, the founding father highlighted the necessity of extending quality medical services to remote communities, considering healthcare accessibility a fundamental pillar of national development.

    The then Minister of Health, Hamad Al Midfa, noted that Sheikh Zayed’s personal appearance at the inauguration symbolized his profound concern for citizen welfare across all emirates. The founding father received an enthusiastic reception from local residents before conducting an extensive inspection tour of the medical complex, expressing particular satisfaction with the facility’s operational standards and service quality.

    This historic initiative established a precedent for healthcare development in underserved regions, reflecting Sheikh Zayed’s hands-on leadership approach and people-centric governance philosophy that continues to influence UAE public health policy four decades later.

  • UAE winter: Police warn of house fire, suffocation risks with heater use

    UAE winter: Police warn of house fire, suffocation risks with heater use

    As the UAE experiences its coldest winter temperatures with readings plunging to 3.5°C in mountainous regions, Abu Dhabi authorities have escalated public safety warnings regarding heating equipment hazards. The Abu Dhabi Police and Civil Defence Authority have jointly issued comprehensive guidelines addressing the dangerous misuse of both traditional and modern heating devices.

    With Jebel Jais Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah recording unprecedented seasonal lows following recent thunderstorms and unstable weather patterns, residents are increasingly turning to various heating methods. Authorities emphasize that all heating systems—whether charcoal-based, firewood-powered, or electric—carry significant risks if improperly utilized.

    The safety advisory specifically prohibits numerous hazardous practices including: indoor ignition of firewood or charcoal; sleeping in proximity to active heaters; inadequate ventilation management; improper extinguishment protocols; and negligence regarding electrical capacity requirements. Additional warnings address the dangers of placing heating elements under carpets, allowing children near operational devices, and positioning heaters near flammable materials, water sources, or damp areas.

    Particular emphasis is placed on the critical importance of deactivating all heating systems before sleeping or vacating premises. The authorities’ alert comes as a preventive measure against potential tragedies involving residential fires or carbon monoxide suffocation, which historically increase during temperature drops across the emirates.

  • Tom Holland’s ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ wraps up shooting

    Tom Holland’s ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ wraps up shooting

    Marvel Studios has reached a significant production milestone as filming concludes for the upcoming installment ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ starring Tom Holland. Director Dustin Daniel Cretton officially announced the completion through his Instagram account on Saturday, December 20, 2025, expressing profound gratitude to the entire cast and crew for their exceptional commitment throughout the production process.

    Cretton described the project as one of the most rewarding creative endeavors of his career, emphasizing the personal significance of the filmmaking journey. The director specifically highlighted Tom Holland’s exemplary leadership qualities and professional dedication, noting his contributions both on and off camera that significantly enhanced the production.

    The ensemble cast features several returning Marvel veterans alongside new additions. Mark Ruffalo reprises his role as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, while Michael Mando returns as the villainous Scorpion. The film marks the notable introduction of Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/The Punisher within the Spider-Man cinematic universe. Supporting cast members Zendaya and Jacob Batalon return as MJ and Ned Leeds respectively, with Sadie Sink joining the franchise in a currently undisclosed role that has generated considerable fan speculation.

    Scheduled for theatrical release on July 31, 2026, ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ represents the next chapter in Marvel’s cinematic narrative. The production’s completion signals the beginning of post-production work including visual effects, editing, and scoring that will continue through the upcoming months. Industry analysts anticipate the film will continue the commercial success of previous Spider-Man installations while introducing fresh narrative directions under Cretton’s creative vision.

  • Saudi Arabia: Mandatory e-salary payments for domestic workers starting January 1

    Saudi Arabia: Mandatory e-salary payments for domestic workers starting January 1

    Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced the full implementation of mandatory electronic salary payments for all domestic workers effective January 1, 2026. This landmark policy requires employers to process wages exclusively through the official Musaned platform using authorized financial channels including digital wallets and participating banking institutions.

    The comprehensive digital payment system represents a significant advancement in labor protection, designed to guarantee secure wage transfers, minimize employment disputes, and streamline administrative procedures for both employers and workers. The initiative forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to modernize the domestic worker sector and enhance transparency in employment contracts.

    According to official guidelines, salaries must correspond exactly to the amounts specified in employment contracts and should typically be processed at the conclusion of each Hijri month, unless both parties formally agree to alternative arrangements. While the system mandates electronic transfer, workers retain the option to withdraw cash using government-issued Mada cards through approved channels.

    The ministry implemented this transformation through a carefully structured phased rollout beginning July 2024. The initial phase targeted first-time domestic workers entering the Kingdom, followed by incremental expansion based on employer workforce size. The final phase encompassing all remaining domestic workers takes effect January 2026.

    This electronic wage system provides multiple advantages including reliable payment verification, simplified administrative processes during contract transitions or international travel, and secure international remittance capabilities for workers supporting families abroad. The policy establishes a new standard for labor rights protection in the region’s domestic employment sector.

  • Kiara Advani’s stunning first look from ‘Toxic’ unveiled

    Kiara Advani’s stunning first look from ‘Toxic’ unveiled

    Indian cinema enthusiasts received a captivating preview of Kiara Advani’s upcoming role as the first look from the highly anticipated film ‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups’ was unveiled on Sunday. Lead actor Yash shared the striking visual through his official Instagram channel, generating immediate buzz among fans and critics alike.

    The evocative poster presents Advani in a moment of dramatic intensity, portraying her character named Nadia. Dressed in an elegant black off-shoulder gown featuring a thigh-high slit, the actress stands isolated under a single spotlight on what appears to be a dance floor. The composition captures her looking away from the camera with visible tears tracing her cheeks, suggesting a complex emotional narrative within the film.

    Director Geetu Mohandas expressed profound admiration for Advani’s performance in an official statement, noting: ‘Some performances don’t just belong to a film, they redefine an artist. What Kiara created on screen in this project is nothing short of transformative. As a director, I am deeply proud of her delivery and the unwavering commitment she brought to our collaborative journey.’

    This cinematic project marks Yash’s return to feature films following the monumental success of ‘KGF: Chapter 2’. The multi-lingual production has been shot simultaneously in English and Kannada, with plans for dubbed releases across several Indian regional languages. The creative team includes music composer Ravi Basrur and cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, with action sequences developed by both international and Indian choreography experts.

    Produced through a collaboration between KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, the film represents a significant investment in production quality and artistic ambition. Industry observers have noted the strategic positioning of the March 19, 2026 release date, suggesting confidence in the film’s potential to make a substantial impact at the box office.

  • Coast Guard is pursuing another tanker helping Venezuela skirt sanctions, US official says

    Coast Guard is pursuing another tanker helping Venezuela skirt sanctions, US official says

    The United States Coast Guard has initiated pursuit operations against another sanctioned oil tanker in Caribbean waters, marking the latest escalation in the Trump administration’s intensified campaign targeting Venezuelan energy shipments. This development follows Saturday’s predawn seizure of the Panama-flagged tanker ‘Centuries,’ which authorities identified as operating under false registration as part of Venezuela’s shadow fleet for illicit oil transportation.

    According to a U.S. official familiar with the ongoing operation, Sunday’s pursuit involves a sanctioned vessel from the ‘dark fleet’ that facilitates Venezuela’s sanctions evasion efforts. The official, speaking anonymously due to operational sensitivities, confirmed the target vessel was flying false colors and subject to a judicial seizure order. This represents the third such action in under two weeks, following the December 10th interception of the unflagged tanker ‘Skipper’ with U.S. Navy support.

    The maritime enforcement surge coincides with President Trump’s increasingly confrontational rhetoric toward Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Trump has vowed to implement a full naval ‘blockade’ against Venezuela and warned that Maduro’s tenure faces imminent conclusion. Administration officials justify these measures as necessary to recover assets seized from American oil companies during Venezuela’s industry nationalization, citing a 2014 international arbitration ruling that ordered $1.6 billion in compensation to ExxonMobil.

    These interdiction operations form part of broader regional security initiatives that include narcotics enforcement. Since September, the Defense Department has conducted at least 28 documented strikes against vessels suspected of smuggling fentanyl and other illegal drugs through Caribbean and Eastern Pacific corridors, resulting in over 100 casualties. The coordinated maritime strategy reflects the administration’s multi-front approach to pressuring Venezuela’s socialist government while combating transnational narcotics trafficking.