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  • Resilient West Indies pass the follow-on on the 3rd day of the 3rd test against New Zealand

    Resilient West Indies pass the follow-on on the 3rd day of the 3rd test against New Zealand

    In a display of determined batting, the West Indies demonstrated significant resilience on day three of the third test against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. Kavem Hodge emerged as the cornerstone of this effort, scoring an unbeaten 109 to mark his second test century and guide his team to 381-6 by stumps on Saturday.

    The visitors successfully avoided the follow-on, having surpassed the required 357-run mark in response to New Zealand’s formidable first innings total of 575-8. This batting performance echoed their determined second innings in the drawn first test, where they batted for 163.3 overs.

    Hodge’s innings proved particularly redemptive following a period of inconsistent form. Since his maiden test century of 120 against England at Trent Bridge in July 2024, he had surpassed fifty only once in sixteen subsequent innings. His place in the team appeared uncertain after missing the first test and scoring modestly in the second.

    The batsman displayed considerable patience during his 224-ball stay at the crease, battling through a brief stall in the 90s before finally reaching his century. Hodge attributed his success to careful preparation and self-belief, stating: ‘I’ve been trying to understand what I will face here in New Zealand and come up with a plan to combat it. One of my strengths is square of the wicket and I was just trying to improve on that.’

    West Indies’ effort was bolstered by several key partnerships. Openers Brandon King (63) and John Campbell (45) established a solid foundation with a 111-run stand—their first century partnership as an opening pair and only the sixth such achievement for West Indies in eleven years. Hodge then built crucial partnerships with Tevin Imlach (27), Alick Athanaze (45), and Justin Greaves (43).

    New Zealand’s bowling attack, led by Jacob Duffy who removed both openers, continued to chip away at the West Indies lineup on a pitch showing increasing signs of wear with visible cracking and occasional variable bounce. Spinner Ajaz Patel claimed his first test wicket on home soil, removing Roston Chase lbw for 2.

    With New Zealand leading the three-match series 1-0 after winning the second test by nine wickets, the hosts are unlikely to enforce the follow-on despite the West Indies avoiding it, preferring to avoid batting last on a deteriorating pitch.

  • Trump says war with Venezuela remains possible

    Trump says war with Venezuela remains possible

    In a significant escalation of rhetoric, former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly acknowledged the possibility of armed conflict with Venezuela during a recent NBC News interview. When questioned about potential military engagement, Trump stated unequivocally, “I don’t rule it out, no,” marking a notable shift from his previous campaign promises to avoid foreign entanglements.

    The interview, conducted on Thursday and released Friday, reveals Trump’s ambiguous stance regarding Venezuelan leadership. While refusing to explicitly confirm whether ousting President Nicolás Maduro remains his ultimate objective, Trump asserted that the Venezuelan leader fully understands American demands, remarking, “He knows exactly what I want. He knows better than anybody.”

    This verbal escalation coincides with intensified military operations in the Caribbean region. Since early September, the Pentagon has reportedly sunk approximately 28 vessels suspected of drug trafficking operations, resulting in at least 104 fatalities. The U.S. maintains substantial naval presence off Venezuela’s coast, officially designated as counter-narcotics operations—a justification that Caracas has dismissed as pretext for regime change.

    Trump’s administration has implemented increasingly severe economic measures against Venezuela, including Tuesday’s announcement of a comprehensive blockade targeting all sanctioned oil tankers entering or exiting Venezuelan waters. The former president indicated that additional maritime seizures are likely, warning that vessels deemed “foolish enough to be sailing along” would be redirected to American ports.

    These aggressive postures contradict Trump’s 2024 campaign commitments, where he repeatedly pledged to keep the United States out of foreign conflicts and declared during his victory speech that he would “not going to start a war; I’m going to stop wars.”

    Domestic opposition to these policies appears substantial. A recent Quinnipiac University survey indicates that 63% of American adults oppose military actions against Venezuela, with only 25% expressing support. Bipartisan lawmakers have raised concerns regarding both the legality of Caribbean military strikes and the transparency of administration motives beyond stated counter-narcotics objectives.

  • Steve Rosenberg: Was Putin’s response to my question about war in Europe an olive branch?

    Steve Rosenberg: Was Putin’s response to my question about war in Europe an olive branch?

    In a remarkable televised exchange during his annual press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a pointed dialogue with BBC correspondent Steve Rosenberg, delivering sharp criticisms of Western nations while extending a conditional offer to cease hostilities in Ukraine.

    The confrontation began when Rosenberg challenged Putin about Russia’s future trajectory, questioning whether the current climate of repression—characterized by internet outages, persecution of dissidents under foreign agent laws, and military operations—would persist. While Rosenberg spoke, Putin was observed taking notes, preparing his response.

    Putin vigorously defended Russia’s controversial foreign agent legislation, asserting that Western nations—particularly the United States with its 1930s-era Foreign Agents Registration Act—pioneered such measures. ‘We didn’t invent it,’ Putin stated. ‘These laws, including the US one, are much tougher.’ This comparison overlooks the draconian nature of Russia’s implementation, which effectively excludes designated individuals from public life, imposes severe financial restrictions, and can lead to criminal prosecution after a single administrative violation.

    The conversation took an unexpected turn when moderators abruptly redirected discussion to the BBC’s legal challenges, including a multi-billion dollar lawsuit referenced by former US President Donald Trump. Putin aligned himself with Trump’s position, creating a rare moment of Kremlin-White House agreement regarding the British broadcaster.

    Returning to Rosenberg’s initial question, Putin articulated his core grievance: years of Western deception regarding NATO expansion. ‘There won’t be new special military operations if you treat us with respect and respect our interests,’ Putin declared, adding that Western leaders ‘cheated us with NATO’s eastward expansion.’

    The Russian leader expressed particular outrage over allegations that Moscow plans to attack Europe, dismissing them as ‘rubbish.’ Yet European leaders remain skeptical, citing Russia’s pattern of denial before the Ukraine invasion and recent violations of European airspace through fighter jets, drones, cyber-attacks, and sabotage.

    In a significant closing statement, Putin extended an olive branch: ‘We’re ready to cease hostilities immediately provided that Russia’s medium- and long-term security is ensured.’ However, this offer remains contingent on Moscow’s maximalist security demands regarding Ukraine, which European leaders have consistently rejected.

  • Exclusive: MPs urge Starmer to investigate Cameron ICC interference claims

    Exclusive: MPs urge Starmer to investigate Cameron ICC interference claims

    Two Labour parliamentarians have formally urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to authorize an independent investigation into serious allegations that former Foreign Secretary David Cameron attempted to improperly influence the International Criminal Court’s proceedings regarding Israeli officials. Richard Burgon and Imran Hussain submitted their demand through a letter acquired exclusively by Middle East Eye, highlighting concerns about Britain’s potential interference with the judicial independence of the international court.

    The controversy centers on claims that a high-ranking official from the previous Conservative administration threatened ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan with severe repercussions, including financial withdrawal and Britain’s exit from the Rome Statute, should he proceed with arrest warrants targeting Israeli leadership. These allegations gained substantiation through Khan’s recent submission to the ICC’s appeal chamber, which detailed inappropriate pressure from British authorities during the warrant application process for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

    According to multiple sources, Cameron engaged in a particularly tense phone conversation with Prosecutor Khan on April 23, 2024, during which he characterized the potential warrants as equivalent to ‘dropping a hydrogen bomb.’ Cameron reportedly drew distinctions between prosecuting Russia for aggression against Ukraine and investigating Israel’s defensive operations following the October 7 attacks. While sources close to Cameron acknowledge the call occurred and described it as ‘robust,’ they maintain it constituted political dialogue rather than overt threats.

    The parliamentary letter emphasizes that any attempted coercion of ICC officials could violate Article 70 of the Rome Statute, potentially constituting criminal obstruction of justice. The MPs expressed profound concern that such interference, particularly if originating from the highest levels of government, would cause significant damage to Britain’s international reputation as a defender of legal norms and the rules-based international order.

    This development follows earlier expressions of concern from over 100 cross-party MPs and peers who previously urged the Conservative government to safeguard the ICC’s independence against political intimidation. The Office of the Prosecutor had simultaneously issued statements demanding cessation of all attempts to improperly influence its officials.

    Prime Minister Starmer’s office has referred inquiries to the Foreign Office, which has consistently declined to address the specific allegations. The situation continues to develop as calls grow for transparent examination of Britain’s interactions with the international judicial body.

  • Watch: DOJ re-releases 2005 video showing Epstein’s Florida home

    Watch: DOJ re-releases 2005 video showing Epstein’s Florida home

    The U.S. Department of Justice has made public once again a trove of archival evidence, including previously circulated surveillance footage from a 2005 police search of Jeffrey Epstein’s Palm Beach residence. This visual documentation offers a renewed glimpse into the opulent surroundings where the convicted sex offender orchestrated his criminal activities. The video’s reemergence coincides with ongoing public and judicial scrutiny into the extensive network of Epstein’s associates, reigniting discussions about initial investigative procedures. Law enforcement experts note the footage provides contextual understanding of the environment in which federal agents operated during their early investigations. The release forms part of a broader transparency initiative surrounding cases that continue to capture national attention, serving both historical documentation and public interest purposes. Legal analysts emphasize that while the footage itself isn’t new evidence, its republication underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to maintaining public access to pivotal case materials.

  • Dubai rains: Police, emergency teams work overnight to clear flooded roads, manage traffic

    Dubai rains: Police, emergency teams work overnight to clear flooded roads, manage traffic

    Dubai’s emergency services executed a meticulously coordinated overnight operation to mitigate severe flooding caused by torrential rainfall, prioritizing public safety and infrastructure restoration. According to Brigadier Turki Abdulrahman bin Fares, Director of Operations at Dubai Police, advanced monitoring of regional weather patterns enabled proactive deployment of resources before conditions deteriorated locally.

    Approximately 70% of all patrol and rescue assets were activated across the emirate, including the mountainous Hatta region. Police units extended duty hours while specialized teams addressed multiple challenges: draining submerged roadways, managing traffic disruptions, assisting stranded motorists, and securing high-risk zones including valleys, elevated terrain, and coastal areas.

    The response leveraged a unified command structure integrating Dubai Police with Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Civil Defense, Ambulance Services, DEWA, and the Government of Dubai Media Office. This collaborative framework enabled real-time information sharing and coordinated field operations throughout the crisis.

    Twenty-two specialized rescue teams—13 land-based and nine marine units—were strategically positioned to handle emergencies. The public alert system disseminated critical safety information while community management teams regulated access to affected areas and addressed resident concerns.

    Brigadier bin Fares emphasized that pre-established contingency plans, joint exercises, and continuous coordination enabled dynamic adjustments based on live meteorological data and field reports. The operation successfully maintained safety across all districts, with normalcy largely restored by morning through these concerted efforts.

  • Timothée Chalamet teams up with EsDeeKid to quash alter-ego rumours

    Timothée Chalamet teams up with EsDeeKid to quash alter-ego rumours

    Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet has definitively resolved widespread speculation about his alleged secret identity as anonymous UK rapper EsDeeKid through an unexpected musical collaboration. The Oscar-nominated actor, who previously cultivated mystery by responding “No comment” to BBC inquiries, finally addressed the rumors by appearing alongside the masked drill artist in a new music video.

    The visually clever video, filmed at Andover Minimarket Off Licence in north London, begins with Chalamet mimicking EsDeeKid’s signature style—showing only his eyes beneath a bandana. The actor then dramatically reveals his full face while delivering self-referential bars: “It’s Timothée Chalamet chillin’, tryin’ to stack $100 million,” followed by a nod to partner Kylie Jenner with “Girl got $1 billion.”

    This strategic collaboration serves multiple purposes: it conclusively disproves theories that Chalamet and EsDeeKid are the same person while simultaneously generating substantial buzz for both artists. The partnership cleverly capitalizes on weeks of fan speculation that had intensified as EsDeeKid reached the UK top 10 charts while Chalamet promoted his upcoming film ‘Marty Supreme’—which receives several mentions in the new track.

    The viral remix of EsDeeKid’s hit ‘4Raws’ has garnered significant attention across social media platforms, with prominent artists including Central Cee, Tinie Tempah, and Shaboozey praising the unexpected collaboration. Industry observers note the campaign demonstrates sophisticated cross-promotion between music and film marketing, leveraging viral speculation to maximize engagement for both Chalamet’s cinematic project and EsDeeKid’s musical career.

  • Suspect jumps to death after fatal Taipei attack

    Suspect jumps to death after fatal Taipei attack

    A violent rampage in central Taipei on Friday evening resulted in four fatalities and multiple injuries, culminating in the apparent suicide of the assailant. The incident, which sent shockwaves through the Taiwanese capital, began at approximately 5:30 PM local time near Taipei Main Station.

    According to law enforcement authorities and eyewitness accounts, an individual equipped with a gas mask initiated the attack by detonating smoke grenades at a key station exit. The deliberate creation of chaos and panic led to immediate casualties, with emergency services transporting two critically injured individuals to nearby medical facilities. Hospital officials later confirmed one victim, identified as a 57-year-old male, succumbed to his injuries. A second victim, aged 54, remains hospitalized under medical supervision.

    The perpetrator subsequently fled the initial crime scene, moving toward the Zhongshan MRT Station area where he continued his violent spree. Witnesses reported the assailant deployed additional smoke devices while indiscriminately attacking bystanders with a bladed weapon. This secondary assault resulted in seven additional casualties with varying degrees of injuries.

    The sequence of events reached its grim conclusion when the suspect entered an adjacent commercial complex. Security camera footage indicates the individual proceeded to ascend multiple levels before deliberately jumping from a height equivalent to six stories. Medical personnel pronounced the suspect dead at the scene despite attempted resuscitation efforts.

    Taipei Police Department has established a specialized task force to investigate the comprehensive circumstances surrounding the attack. Investigators are meticulously examining surveillance recordings, forensic evidence, and witness statements to establish the precise timeline of events. Additional investigative priorities include determining the origin of the explosive devices, reconstructing the suspect’s complete movement pattern, and identifying any potential specific targets or motivations behind the assault. Security personnel have maintained a perimeter around both crime scenes as the investigation continues to develop.

  • UAE announces reverse charge mechanism for VAT on scrap-metal trading

    UAE announces reverse charge mechanism for VAT on scrap-metal trading

    The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a significant tax policy shift targeting the scrap metal industry, with Cabinet Decision No. 153 of 2025 introducing a reverse charge mechanism for Value Added Tax (VAT) on transactions between registered businesses. Effective January 14, 2026, this reform fundamentally alters tax accountability by transferring VAT calculation responsibilities from suppliers to purchasers in qualified scrap metal trades.

    The Ministry of Finance emphasized that this strategic initiative forms part of broader governmental efforts to enhance tax system efficiency and eliminate fraudulent activities within the metal recycling sector. The mechanism specifically applies to transactions where buyers acquire scrap metal either for resale purposes or for processing into raw materials suitable for manufacturing new products.

    Under the new framework, purchasing entities must assume complete responsibility for VAT accounting and fulfill all associated tax obligations. Suppliers, conversely, will be exempt from charging VAT on these transactions. Both parties must adhere to stringent procedural requirements, including written declarations from recipients confirming their intended use of materials and FTA registration status. Suppliers must verify these registrations, retain documentation, and explicitly note the reverse charge application on all invoices.

    This regulatory development follows successful implementations of similar mechanisms in the electronic devices and precious metals sectors. Authorities anticipate substantial reductions in tax evasion and improved administration of tax refund processes. The policy aligns with the UAE’s vision of establishing a transparent, sustainable financial ecosystem that fosters voluntary compliance and maintains competitive business environments.

  • US to strip alleged Bosnian war criminal of citizenship

    US to strip alleged Bosnian war criminal of citizenship

    The United States Department of Justice has initiated civil proceedings to strip American citizenship from Kemal Mrndzic, a man convicted of concealing his role as a guard at Bosnia’s notorious Čelebići prison camp during his immigration process. This legal action represents the latest development in a case exposing wartime atrocities committed during the Bosnian conflict of the 1990s.

    According to court documents, Mrndzic deliberately failed to disclose his military service and involvement in persecuting Bosnian-Serb inmates at the camp, where United Nations tribunals documented systematic killings, torture, sexual violence, and cruel treatment of detainees. The Justice Department emphasized that such omissions constitute criminal fraud within immigration proceedings.

    The case culminated in Mrndzic’s October 2024 conviction on multiple counts of fraud and misrepresentation related to his passport and naturalization applications. He received a five-year prison sentence in January 2025 following jury deliberations.

    Brett Shumate, Assistant Attorney General, stated the administration’s position clearly: “Those who engage in persecution cannot enjoy the privileges of American refuge.” He further emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the naturalization process.

    Historical context reveals the gravity of these proceedings. The Čelebići camp operated under Bosniak and Bosnian-Croat forces during the bloody ethnic conflicts that followed Yugoslavia’s dissolution. These events culminated in the Srebrenica genocide—recognized by the UN as the worst European atrocity since World War II—where over 8,000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys were systematically murdered by Bosnian-Serb forces.

    The broader conflict eventually concluded with the Dayton Peace Agreement, brokered by the United States in December 1995. Mrndzic’s case demonstrates the ongoing efforts to address war crimes committed during this turbulent period through both international and domestic legal channels.