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  • Thousands of dinosaur footprints found on Italian mountain

    Thousands of dinosaur footprints found on Italian mountain

    A breathtaking paleontological discovery has emerged from Italy’s Stelvio National Park, where researchers have uncovered thousands of dinosaur footprints preserved for 210 million years. The extraordinary find, initially spotted by a photographer on a vertical mountain wall, reveals parallel rows of tracks up to 40 centimeters in diameter with remarkably preserved details of toes and claws.

    Scientific analysis indicates these impressions belong to prosauropods – long-necked herbivores that inhabited the region during the Triassic period when the area functioned as a tidal flat. This prehistoric landscape eventually became incorporated into the Alpine chain through geological processes. The trackway stretches hundreds of meters and presents one of the most complete records of dinosaur movement patterns from this era.

    Milan-based paleontologist Cristiano Dal Sasso expressed astonishment at the discovery, stating, ‘I never would have imagined encountering such a spectacular find in my own region. This location was teeming with dinosaurs; it represents an immense scientific treasure.’ The footprints demonstrate coordinated herd movement with evidence of complex social behaviors, including circular formations that potentially indicate defensive positioning.

    Notably, the discovery includes both bipedal locomotion patterns and occasional handprints, suggesting moments when the creatures paused to rest their forelimbs on the ground. The presence of smaller footprints indicates these herds included juvenile specimens, providing crucial insights into dinosaur family structures and development.

    The remote location, inaccessible by conventional paths, will require drone technology and remote sensing for comprehensive documentation. The Italian Ministry of Culture has emphasized the significance of this discovery occurring near the upcoming Winter Olympics venue, describing it as ‘history paying homage to the greatest global sporting event through a symbolic passing of the baton between nature and sport.’

    Photographer Elio Della Ferrera, who first documented the footprints, highlighted the philosophical implications: ‘This discovery should spark reflection about how little we truly understand the places we inhabit – our home, our planet.’ The findings promise to reshape scientific understanding of dinosaur migration patterns, social behavior, and Triassic ecosystem dynamics in what is now the Alpine region.

  • Susie Wiles, White House chief of staff, criticizes Bondi and opines on Trump in Vanity Fair

    Susie Wiles, White House chief of staff, criticizes Bondi and opines on Trump in Vanity Fair

    WASHINGTON — In a series of candid interviews with Vanity Fair published Tuesday, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles offered unprecedented insights into the inner workings of President Donald Trump’s second administration while leveling sharp criticism against Attorney General Pam Bondi’s management of the Jeffrey Epstein case.

    The influential yet typically reserved aide acknowledged underestimating the magnitude of the Epstein scandal involving the disgraced financier but delivered pointed remarks about Bondi’s approach to the sensitive matter. “I think she completely whiffed on appreciating that that was the very targeted group that cared about this,” Wiles stated, referencing Bondi’s distribution of binders containing no new information to social media influencers.

    Despite her extensive on-the-record conversations with the magazine, Wiles subsequently dismissed the published piece as a “disingenuously framed hit piece” that omitted significant context to portray the administration negatively. She did not, however, deny the accuracy of the attributed comments.

    The interviews revealed several provocative administration positions, including Trump’s desire to continue military strikes against suspected drug vessels off Venezuela’s coast until leader Nicolas Maduro “cries uncle”—a statement seemingly at odds with the official position that operations focus solely on narcotics interception.

    Wiles provided rare personal assessment of the president, comparing his personality traits to those of “high-functioning alcoholics” despite his teetotalism, noting his unwavering belief that “there’s nothing he can’t do.” She described her role as channeling Trump’s energy and policy objectives while occasionally tempering his impulses.

    Regarding the administration’s much-discussed retribution campaign, Wiles acknowledged a “loose agreement” that score-settling would conclude within the first 90 days, though operations continued beyond that timeframe. She alternatively framed these actions as removing individuals who “have done bad things” from government rather than pure vengeance, though conceded the prosecution of New York Attorney General Letitia James for mortgage fraud might qualify as retribution.

    The Justice Department faces impending deadlines to release Epstein-related documents following Trump’s signing of legislation mandating disclosure, despite initial objections from the administration.

  • Sudan tops global humanitarian crisis watchlist for third year as devastating war grips the country

    Sudan tops global humanitarian crisis watchlist for third year as devastating war grips the country

    For an unprecedented third consecutive year, Sudan has been identified as the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis in the International Rescue Committee’s annual Emergency Watchlist. The devastating conflict that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese military and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has created what the IRC describes as the planet’s largest humanitarian catastrophe.

    The comprehensive report, released Tuesday, highlights 20 nations representing just 12% of the global population yet accounting for 89% of those requiring humanitarian assistance. These countries collectively host 117 million displaced people, with projections indicating they will contain over half of the world’s extremely impoverished by 2029.

    IRC President David Miliband characterized the escalating global crises as a ‘New World Disorder’ that has supplanted the post-WWII international framework previously grounded in rules and rights. ‘This year’s Watchlist is a testament to misery but also a warning,’ Miliband stated. ‘The New World Disorder is here, and winds are picking up everywhere.’

    The Sudanese conflict has resulted in more than 40,000 documented fatalities according to UN figures, though aid organizations caution the actual death toll likely far exceeds this number. The violence has displaced over 14 million people while facilitating widespread disease outbreaks and famine conditions across various regions.

    The watchlist ranked occupied Palestinian territories and South Sudan as the second and third most severe crises respectively, followed by Ethiopia, Haiti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lebanon, Ukraine, Syria, and Yemen. The IRC attributes many conflicts to power struggles and profit motives, noting that warring parties in Sudan and their international supporters continue benefiting from gold trade despite devastating civilian impacts.

    Recent atrocities in Darfur’s el-Fasher city, where RSF fighters allegedly conducted house-to-house killings and sexual assaults, have drawn condemnation from UN human rights officials. Satellite analysis from Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab appears to show systematic mass killings and evidence destruction campaigns following the paramilitary’s capture of the city.

    The report calls for binding international actions including suspension of UN Security Council veto power during mass atrocities, alongside increased humanitarian funding which has decreased by 50% this year despite escalating needs.

  • Donald Trump Jr engaged to socialite Bettina Anderson

    Donald Trump Jr engaged to socialite Bettina Anderson

    In a notable social announcement during a White House holiday gathering, former President Donald Trump revealed that his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., has become engaged to Bettina Anderson, a prominent Palm Beach socialite. The disclosure, confirmed by Trump Jr.’s spokesperson Andrew Surabian, brings formal recognition to a relationship that has captivated tabloid media for months.

    The romantic involvement between Trump Jr. and Anderson first entered public consciousness last December when British tabloid The Daily Mail published photographs showing the pair holding hands in Palm Beach. The timing proved particularly noteworthy as it coincided with the appointment of Kimberly Guilfoyle, then Trump Jr.’s fiancée, as ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle assumed her diplomatic post in Athens last September following her swearing-in ceremony.

    This engagement marks the third such commitment for Donald Trump Jr., who co-manages the Trump Organization with his brother Eric. His first marriage to Vanessa Trump in 2005 featured a highly publicized proposal orchestrated with a jewelry retailer in exchange for promotional considerations. That union ended in divorce proceedings initiated in 2018.

    The developing relationship between Trump Jr. and Anderson has progressed visibly since the former president’s return to political office, with the couple making several public appearances together. Most notably, they attended the extravagant wedding celebration hosted by Indian billionaire Rama Raju Mantena in Udaipur last month, signaling their increasingly prominent status within elite social circles.

    Anderson’s connection to the Trump family became increasingly evident during the 2024 Republican National Convention, where she was observed seated directly behind the then-engaged couple of Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle, foreshadowing the romantic transition that has now been formally acknowledged.

  • UAE leaders congratulate King of Bahrain on National Day

    UAE leaders congratulate King of Bahrain on National Day

    In a demonstration of regional solidarity, the United Arab Emirates has formally extended congratulations to the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of its National Day. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum both conveyed warm wishes to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Bahraini people through official channels on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

    President Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the “enduring bonds of friendship between the UAE and Bahrain” in a statement posted on social media platform X. He expressed optimism about future cooperation, stating both nations look forward to “strengthening our ties to promote ongoing progress and prosperity for our nations, our peoples, and the region.”

    Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid echoed these sentiments, offering prayers for Bahrain’s continued “security, safety, and prosperity.” He poetically described Bahrain as “the heart and the eye—an enduring affection and a shared destiny,” highlighting the deep cultural and historical connections between the two Gulf nations.

    The UAE is participating directly in the celebrations by hosting special events and shows, reflecting the leadership’s commitment to shared festivities. This diplomatic gesture underscores the strategic partnership and fraternal bonds that characterize UAE-Bahrain relations.

    Concurrently, the Bahraini government has formally declared December 16-17, 2025 as public holidays throughout the kingdom. Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa confirmed the closure of all ministries, government departments, and public institutions during this period. The holidays commemorate both Bahrain’s National Day and the Accession Day of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with the announcement applying to all government agencies and public authorities across the nation.

  • Dubai: Gold prices dip slightly after sharp rise, demand remains strong

    Dubai: Gold prices dip slightly after sharp rise, demand remains strong

    Dubai’s gold market witnessed a slight price adjustment on Tuesday morning following a significant weekend rally, with 24K gold declining to Dh516.75 per gram from Monday’s Dh521.25. The modest pullback occurred alongside broader precious metals softening, with spot gold prices dipping 0.74 percent to $4,274.11 by 9:30 AM local time.

    Other gold variants including 22K, 21K, 18K, and 14K traded at Dh478.50, Dh458.75, Dh393.25, and Dh306.75 per gram respectively. Silver mirrored this trend, with spot prices falling 1.76 percent to $62.49.

    Market analysts emphasize that the minor correction occurs within a context of remarkable underlying strength. Ole Hansen, Head of Commodity Strategy at Saxo Bank, observed that gold continues trading near October’s record highs following a clear breakout from its recent consolidation pattern around $4,200. “This demonstrates how resilient underlying demand has become,” Hansen noted.

    The recent 25-basis-point rate cut by the US Federal Reserve to a 3.5-3.75 percent range has reignited policy debates for 2026, but Hansen suggests gold’s momentum now derives from factors beyond interest rate dynamics. Sustained support emerges from a softer dollar, easing front-end yields, and most significantly, persistent buying by non-western central banks and global real-money investors through exchange-traded funds.

    Notably, bullion-backed ETF holdings primarily listed in the US and Europe have surged by approximately 15 million ounces this year, more than compensating for net liquidations over the preceding three years. This trend increasingly reflects strategic moves to reduce dollar dependency rather than short-term currency hedging.

    Looking forward, market conditions remain tight with institutional and central bank demand for hard assets showing no signs of diminishing amid political uncertainty, persistent inflation concerns, expanding fiscal deficits, and evolving monetary regimes. Hansen projects gold could reach the $5,000 milestone in 2026, with silver potentially climbing to $75-80 range, bolstered by seasonal patterns that typically strengthen gold following December FOMC meetings through late February.

  • Bondi Beach gunman originally from India, police say

    Bondi Beach gunman originally from India, police say

    Australian authorities continue their investigation into the Bondi Beach mass shooting that claimed 15 lives during a Hanukkah celebration, with new details emerging about the perpetrators’ international connections and radicalization background.

    Sajid Akram, the 50-year-old attacker who died at the Sydney scene, originated from Hyderabad in India’s Telangana state but maintained minimal contact with his family there. According to Telangana police officials, Akram had visited India only six times since relocating to Australia in 1998, primarily for property matters and parental visits. Notably, he did not return even for his father’s funeral.

    The investigation reveals that Akram, who held an Indian passport, had no criminal record in India and had completed a degree before emigrating for employment opportunities. He subsequently married a woman of European origin, and their children, including co-attacker Naveed Akram (24), were born as Australian citizens.

    Authorities are particularly focused on the father-son duo’s recent trip to the Philippines from November 1-28. While immigration authorities confirmed their travel using Indian and Australian documentation respectively, security sources suggest the purpose may have involved “military-style training” – though officials haven’t confirmed these reports.

    Philippines Foreign Affairs Minister Maria Theresa Lazaro and Australian counterpart Penny Wong have established direct communication channels to share investigation developments. The collaboration comes amid revelations that Naveed Akram had previously been investigated in 2019 for associations with a Sydney-based IS terrorism cell, though authorities had assessed no imminent threat at that time.

    Indian officials emphasize that radicalization factors appear unrelated to Indian influences, with family members expressing no knowledge of either attacker’s extremist mindset. The case continues to develop as international agencies coordinate their investigative efforts.

  • EU likely to delay free-trade deal with South America as French farmers block roads

    EU likely to delay free-trade deal with South America as French farmers block roads

    A quarter-century in the making, the landmark trade agreement between the European Union and South America’s Mercosur bloc faces significant delays as French agricultural protests intensify. Farmers across France have mobilized heavy machinery to blockade highways and construct makeshift barricades, employing tactics that have historically pressured the government into concessions.

    The core contention revolves around the proposed elimination of tariffs on nearly all goods traded between the blocs over a 15-year period. French producers argue this would expose them to unfair competition from Mercosur nations—Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia—that operate under different regulatory standards concerning pesticides and environmental practices.

    Compounding trade anxieties, scattered outbreaks of lumpy skin disease in French cattle herds have ignited additional fury. Government-mandated culling of infected animals has further inflamed rural discontent, creating a volatile combination of economic and sanitary grievances.

    Despite the European Parliament’s recent approval of the deal with additional safeguards (431-161 vote, with 70 abstentions), France insists on three unmet demands: robust mechanisms to monitor and halt economic disruption, heightened regulatory alignment in Mercosur countries, and strengthened import inspections at EU ports.

    French European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad criticized the EU’s approach as “naive” and called for more assertive trade policies mirroring those of the United States and China. “We need to be open, but we also need to protect ourselves and protect our interests,” Haddad stated.

    While Ireland and Poland share France’s agricultural concerns, German MEP Svenja Hahn argued the pact would strengthen Europe’s geopolitical position, reducing dependence on China and Russia. The agreement, covering 780 million people and a quarter of global GDP, requires backing from two-thirds of EU member states for ratification. Despite scheduled signing ceremonies in Brazil, the growing protest movement suggests further delays are inevitable as farmers vow to escalate demonstrations, including planned marches in Brussels.

  • Netanyahu faces backlash after blaming Bondi attack on Australia’s support for Palestinian statehood

    Netanyahu faces backlash after blaming Bondi attack on Australia’s support for Palestinian statehood

    International condemnation has mounted against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his controversial assertion that Australia’s recognition of Palestinian statehood contributed to the deadly Sydney attack that killed 15 people. The political firestorm erupted after Netanyahu revealed he had previously warned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that his government’s policy was “promoting and encouraging antisemitism” and would “pour fuel on the antisemitic fire.”

    The tragedy unfolded when two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, leaving multiple others wounded in one of Australia’s deadliest antisemitic attacks. Netanyahu immediately connected the massacre to Australia’s diplomatic stance, claiming recognition of Palestine “rewards Hamas terrorism” and “emboldens those who menace Australian Jews.”

    Prime Minister Albanese firmly rejected this connection in an ABC interview, stating: “No, I don’t perceive a link, and overwhelmingly, most of the world recognises a two-state solution as being the way forward in the Middle East.” This position received substantial support across social media platforms, where users widely criticized Netanyahu’s logic as flawed and politically motivated.

    United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter Terrorism Ben Saul expressed being “disgusted” by Netanyahu’s allegations, emphasizing that “Australia has taken extensive measures to prevent anti-semitism.” Prominent voices including Israeli-American academic Shaiel Ben-Ephraim and journalist Barry Malone accused Netanyahu of exploiting tragedy to advance political objectives, with Malone noting the consistent “weaponisation” of antisemitic attacks reduces victims to “political pawns.”

    The digital backlash highlighted concerns that Netanyahu’s comments undermine genuine efforts against antisemitism while attempting to legitimize Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Many social media users characterized the response as “predictable” and “morally obscene,” arguing it represents a cynical conflation of Palestinian statehood with antisemitic violence.

  • Former South Africa captain Dumke dies aged 29

    Former South Africa captain Dumke dies aged 29

    The South African rugby community is in mourning following the tragic passing of former national women’s team captain Lusanda Dumke, who died at age 29 after battling a rare form of gastric cancer. The accomplished back row player, recognized as SA Rugby’s Women’s Player of the Year in 2022, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy both on and off the field.

    Dumke’s international career spanned 33 Test caps, during which she captained the national side on three separate occasions. Her leadership extended to the domestic arena where she guided the Bull Daisies to an unprecedented trio of consecutive Women’s Premier Division championships, establishing herself as one of the nation’s most influential rugby figures.

    SA Rugby President Mark Alexander delivered a heartfelt tribute, characterizing Dumke as “a symbol of courage, leadership, and resilience far beyond her years.” He emphasized how her dignified composure amidst profound personal health challenges continued to inspire teammates and opponents alike. “Even in the face of immense personal challenge she carried herself with dignity and strength, inspiring those around her on and off the field,” Alexander stated. “Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the example she set, and the pride with which she represented her country.”

    The rugby star had stepped away from professional competition this past August to focus on her health, though the specific nature of her illness had not been publicly disclosed until now. Her diagnosis involved an uncommon gastric cancer variant that ultimately claimed her life prematurely.

    Dumke’s passing has triggered an outpouring of grief across the international rugby community, with tributes highlighting not only her athletic prowess but her character and leadership qualities that made her an icon in women’s rugby development. Her contribution to the sport’s growth in South Africa, particularly in women’s competitions, is regarded as foundational and transformative.