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  • Helen & Sons, BBK Partnership form strategic joint venture to expand business support across UAE and GCC

    Helen & Sons, BBK Partnership form strategic joint venture to expand business support across UAE and GCC

    In a strategic move reshaping the business consultancy landscape, Helen & Sons Business Consultancy has entered into a transformative joint venture with BBK Partnership, creating an integrated platform for comprehensive corporate support services throughout the United Arab Emirates and Gulf Cooperation Council region.

    The alliance, effective immediately, merges Helen & Sons’ established business formation expertise with BBK Partnership’s financial advisory capabilities, establishing a unified service ecosystem for enterprises at every development stage. This collaboration addresses the growing demand for seamless business support from initial market entry through operational expansion and financial management.

    Helen & Sons contributes seventeen years of specialized experience in UAE regulatory compliance, offering company incorporation, licensing solutions across free zone and mainland jurisdictions, visa processing, and government liaison services. The firm has facilitated hundreds of international companies in establishing regional footholds with customized market entry strategies.

    Complementing this foundation, BBK Partnership brings over two decades of multinational financial expertise cultivated across UAE, UK, and Australian markets. Their comprehensive portfolio encompasses accounting, auditing, strategic tax planning, CFO advisory services, payroll administration, compliance frameworks, and specialized forensic accounting investigations.

    The partnership’s foundation rests upon shared commitment to long-term, trust-based client relationships and transparent service delivery. Both organizations emphasize fixed-fee pricing structures to eliminate financial uncertainty for clients seeking to navigate the region’s complex regulatory environment.

    Technological integration forms a cornerstone of the collaboration, with both firms implementing cloud-based accounting systems, real-time financial reporting tools, and consolidated documentation platforms. These digital enhancements are supported by dedicated client service teams ensuring responsive support throughout the business lifecycle.

    The joint venture particularly benefits emerging sectors including e-commerce ventures, consulting firms, fintech innovators, and professional service providers requiring simultaneous regulatory compliance and financial transparency. Current and prospective clients can access bundled service packages combining business establishment with ongoing financial management support.

    Beyond core services, the alliance plans to host educational workshops and seminars throughout the UAE, addressing critical topics including company formation best practices, financial planning methodologies, compliance requirements, and scalable growth strategies for regional expansion.

    The partnership is already operational, serving existing clients of both organizations through the newly established integrated platform at www.bbkhns.com.

  • UK, Chinese universities join hands to tackle global health challenges

    UK, Chinese universities join hands to tackle global health challenges

    In a landmark move for international academic collaboration, the University of Nottingham and its Chinese counterpart, the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), have announced the joint establishment of a Division of Life and Health Sciences. This strategic initiative was unveiled during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official visit to China, signaling strengthened Sino-British relations through educational partnership.

    The new division will serve as an advanced transnational platform integrating education, research, and innovation in life and health sciences. By combining the University of Nottingham’s globally recognized expertise with UNNC’s China-focused regional development approach, the collaboration aims to address pressing global health challenges through cutting-edge solutions and leadership development.

    Through innovative joint academic appointments, collaborative teaching methodologies, and shared research programs, the division will create an internationally benchmarked academic team. It will establish a comprehensive talent pipeline spanning from undergraduate to doctoral levels, facilitating global talent mobility via cross-campus exchanges, clinical placements, and advanced research training opportunities.

    UNNC Provost Jon Garibaldi emphasized the institution’s evolution, stating: ‘Over two decades, UNNC has educated tens of thousands of internationally-minded professionals while expanding cooperation in scientific innovation and industry engagement. This initiative marks our transformation from educational pioneer to multi-sector innovation powerhouse, contributing sustained momentum to closer Sino-British relations.’

    The establishment represents a significant milestone in UNNC’s 20-year history as a pioneering force in Sino-British educational cooperation, potentially creating new paradigms for international academic partnerships in addressing global health challenges.

  • ‘We can offer hope’: Greens’ Hannah Spencer on tackling Reform in crucial by-election

    ‘We can offer hope’: Greens’ Hannah Spencer on tackling Reform in crucial by-election

    A pivotal by-election in Greater Manchester’s Gorton and Denton constituency is shaping up as a dramatic ideological contest between environmentalists and right-wing populists. The Green Party has officially nominated local councillor Hannah Spencer as their candidate, setting the stage for a direct confrontation with Reform UK’s controversial nominee, GB News presenter Matt Goodwin.

    The political showdown gained intensity when Labour’s leadership blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham—a perceived potential challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer—from contesting the seat. This development has effectively transformed the election into a two-way battle between emerging political forces.

    Hannah Spencer, 34, brings a distinctly local perspective to the race. A lifelong Greater Manchester resident, she serves as the Green Party leader on Trafford Council and works professionally as a plumber while training to become a plasterer. Her political awakening occurred post-pandemic, driven by frustration with growing wealth inequality and underrepresentation of working-class voices in Parliament.

    In sharp contrast stands her opponent Matt Goodwin, a 44-year-old former academic from St Albans who has built a career studying and writing about national populism. The GB News personality has generated considerable controversy through his statements on ethnicity, Islam, and British identity, including assertions that millions of British Muslims hold values ‘fundamentally opposed to British ways of life.’

    Green Party leader Zack Polanski has publicly condemned Goodwin’s record as demonstrating ‘anti-Muslim bigotry,’ pointing to his controversial social media posts questioning what constitutes British identity. These comments carry particular significance in Gorton and Denton, where 44% of residents belong to ethnic minorities and 79% identify as British.

    Spencer framed the election as a referendum on divisive politics: ‘This is a chance for people to reject the usual stuff from the same old parties. We need to show that Reform only care about protecting their own interests and fuelling division, blaming migrants and Muslims.’

    Beyond its local significance, political analysts are watching the by-election as a critical test for both Reform UK’s electoral viability and the Green Party’s ability to breakthrough in traditional Labour strongholds. The outcome may signal shifting political allegiances in post-industrial Northern constituencies and potentially reshape Britain’s political landscape.

  • Panda Health Train delivers free care to remote Sichuan prefecture

    Panda Health Train delivers free care to remote Sichuan prefecture

    In an innovative approach to healthcare delivery, a specially designed panda-themed medical train has successfully completed a three-day humanitarian mission to the remote Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province. The initiative, which concluded on January 30, 2026, brought essential medical services to underserved populations in one of China’s most mountainous regions.

    The Panda Health Train departed from Chengdu carrying a comprehensive medical team of over 70 volunteer healthcare professionals from West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Led by hospital president Luo Fengming, the team established temporary medical stations at multiple railway locations, providing free consultations, treatments, and health education to local residents and railway workers alike.

    Beyond the mobile clinics, senior medical specialists conducted knowledge-transfer sessions at the First People’s Hospital of Liangshan, sharing advanced medical techniques and contemporary healthcare methodologies through hands-on training and professional development workshops.

    Railway worker Mr. Li expressed appreciation for the initiative: “The doctors thoroughly addressed my health concerns and provided practical advice tailored to our working conditions. This personalized attention truly demonstrates care for frontline workers.”

    President Luo emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration with China Railway Chengdu Group: “Utilizing rail infrastructure to deliver quality medical resources to remote mountainous areas represents a cornerstone of our commitment to grassroots healthcare and rural revitalization efforts. We’re pioneering a sustainable model for mobile medical services that bridges urban medical excellence with rural healthcare needs.”

    Since its inaugural journey in 2021, the Panda Health Train program has significantly expanded its impact, now having provided free medical services to more than 18,000 beneficiaries throughout the Liangshan region. Both institutions have committed to further developing this collaborative framework, with plans to establish a regularized mobile medical service mechanism for long-term healthcare improvement in remote communities.

  • Would you pay for WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook? Meta to test premium subscriptions

    Would you pay for WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook? Meta to test premium subscriptions

    Meta Platforms is developing premium subscription tiers that would introduce enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities across its social media applications, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. According to a TechCrunch report verified by Meta representatives, these paid offerings would provide access to advanced AI tools while maintaining free access to core platform functionalities.

    The subscription model would incorporate Vibes, Meta’s AI-powered video generation application that enables users to create customized visual content through artificial intelligence. Additionally, Meta plans to integrate technology from Manus, an AI specialist company acquired for approximately $2 billion in December. The Singapore-based firm, which originally operated from China, specializes in developing “truly autonomous” agents capable of executing complex tasks with minimal user intervention, such as trip planning and presentation development.

    This strategic shift follows previous experimentation with monetization approaches. In 2023, Facebook tested restrictions on link-sharing capabilities for non-paying users. More recently, United Kingdom users encountered notifications offering ad-free experiences on Facebook and Instagram for £2.99 monthly, while European Union users received similar offers at €5.99 monthly. These developments represent Meta’s evolving approach to revenue diversification beyond advertising.

    The Manus acquisition has attracted regulatory attention, with Chinese authorities announcing reviews to determine potential violations of technology export or national security regulations. Despite these premium offerings, Meta has confirmed that essential platform services will remain accessible without subscription requirements.

  • CRYSTAL unveils a new vision for real estate in Dubai

    CRYSTAL unveils a new vision for real estate in Dubai

    DUBAI – A transformative new player has emerged in Dubai’s competitive real estate landscape with the official launch of CRYSTAL, a design-focused development firm built upon principles of cultural integration and generational legacy. The company formally announced its market entry on January 30, 2026, revealing both its distinctive brand identity and preliminary details of an upcoming flagship project in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC).

    CRYSTAL distinguishes itself through a philosophy that merges Indian heritage with Arabic and Western influences, creating a unique architectural and design approach that prioritizes meaningful spaces over conventional development formulas. Founded on family values and long-term responsibility, the company represents what it terms a ‘second-generation mindset’ – blending respect for tradition with technological innovation and forward-thinking urban design.

    CEO Mustafa B Gandhi articulated the company’s vision: ‘Dubai has consistently demonstrated ambitious growth, but true vision requires more than repetition. CRYSTAL introduces intentionality to real estate development, where every architectural detail serves a purpose and each residential space conveys a narrative.’

    The developer’s methodology emphasizes craftsmanship, material integrity, and spatial design that enhances daily living experiences. Rather than pursuing rapid expansion or maximum scale, CRYSTAL focuses on creating environments that evolve with their inhabitants, prioritizing longevity and cultural relevance over transient market trends.

    While specific details of the JVC flagship project remain confidential, the company confirms it will embody CRYSTAL’s core principles of elevated living standards, cultural equilibrium, and architectural transparency. The development promises to challenge conventional market expectations through its fusion of design excellence and cross-cultural inspiration.

    CRYSTAL’s emergence signals a potential shift in Dubai’s property sector toward more culturally-rooted, design-conscious development approaches that value lasting impact over immediate returns.

  • Chinese scientists achieve breakthrough in quantum computing with ‘Zhuangzi 2.0’

    Chinese scientists achieve breakthrough in quantum computing with ‘Zhuangzi 2.0’

    Researchers from the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Peking University have made a groundbreaking advancement in quantum computing through their work with the sophisticated ‘Zhuangzi 2.0’ quantum processor. Their study, published in the prestigious journal Nature, demonstrates unprecedented control over quantum system stability—a capability that has previously eluded even the most powerful classical supercomputers.

    The team’s breakthrough centers on harnessing a phenomenon known as ‘prethermalization.’ This quantum equivalent occurs when qubits, upon receiving external energy, enter a brief but stable phase instead of immediately collapsing into chaos. During this critical window, information remains preserved and the system maintains order, much like ice lingering at 0°C while absorbing heat before transitioning to water.

    The researchers employed an innovative technique called Random Multipolar Driving to manipulate this quantum plateau. By carefully adjusting the rhythm and pattern of energy pulses sent into the 78-qubit chip, they gained the ability to extend or shorten this stable phase. This approach provides scientists with a controllable temporal shield—akin to solving a complex puzzle whose pieces constantly threaten to disintegrate—allowing for critical computations before the system ultimately decoheres.

    Dr. Fan Heng, corresponding author of the study, emphasized that this achievement represents more than mere qubit quantity advancement. ‘This breakthrough necessitates systematic research throughout the entire process,’ he stated, highlighting the integrated approach combining experimental work, numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis. The ‘Zhuangzi 2.0’ chip’s inherent quantum properties enabled real-time observation of these complex dynamics, providing insights previously impossible with classical computation.

    While 78 qubits may appear modest compared to conventional computing bits, their quantum interactions create complexity that grows exponentially with entanglement. This exponential scaling eventually creates simulation requirements that surpass the capabilities of even the most advanced silicon-based computing systems, marking a fundamental boundary between classical and quantum computational domains.

  • University makes breakthrough in low-dimensional antiferromagnet research, paving way for R&D of new-generation chips

    University makes breakthrough in low-dimensional antiferromagnet research, paving way for R&D of new-generation chips

    Researchers at Shanghai’s Fudan University have achieved a landmark advancement in low-dimensional magnetic materials that could fundamentally transform semiconductor technology. Published in the prestigious journal Nature, their study resolves a decades-old challenge in harnessing antiferromagnetic materials for practical computing applications.

    The research team from the State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics demonstrated unprecedented control over chromium thiophosphate (CrPS4), a layered antiferromagnetic material. Unlike conventional ferromagnets that power current data storage technologies, antiferromagnets maintain neighboring magnetic moments in opposing orientations, effectively neutralizing stray magnetic fields. This property enables superior stability and significantly higher data density potential.

    Professor Wu Shiwei, co-corresponding author of the study, explained their breakthrough: “We’ve developed techniques to precisely control and directly observe the magnetic state using our custom magneto-optical microscope. This satisfies the fundamental requirements for binary data operations that have eluded researchers until now.”

    The team’s most significant contribution involves expanding the classic theoretical model for ferromagnets to encompass antiferromagnetic behavior. Their modified framework predicts how these materials respond to external magnetic fields, with CrPS4 exhibiting an innovative “interlayer-locked” switching mechanism where all layers flip simultaneously rather than sequentially.

    This coordinated switching preserves system stability while maintaining antiferromagnets’ inherent advantages: faster state transition speeds and minimal energy consumption compared to traditional ferromagnetic materials. The researchers additionally established clear criteria for evaluating other antiferromagnetic materials, providing a roadmap for future semiconductor development.

    Industry analysts suggest this advancement could accelerate China’s progress in next-generation semiconductor technology, potentially reshaping global competition in information technology infrastructure. The breakthrough addresses critical limitations in current chip manufacturing as the industry pursues smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient devices.

  • Mali lawmaker jailed in Ivory Coast for insulting president

    Mali lawmaker jailed in Ivory Coast for insulting president

    In a case highlighting ongoing diplomatic tensions between West African neighbors, Malian transitional parliament member Mamadou Hawa Gassama has been sentenced to three years imprisonment in Ivory Coast for publicly insulting Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara. The controversial verdict was delivered after prosecutors successfully argued that Gassama’s characterization of the 84-year-old leader as a “tyrant” and “enemy of Mali” during media interviews and social media posts constituted deliberate institutional undermining rather than legitimate political criticism.

    Gassama, known for his outspoken political stance, was arrested during a July visit to Abidjan while serving in Mali’s junta-established transitional government. His legal representative, Mamadou Ismaila Konate, condemned the sentencing as “excessive and severe” in statements to AFP, highlighting the disproportionate nature of the punishment.

    The case occurs against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between the two nations since Mali’s 2020 military coup. President Ouattara, maintaining close ties with former colonial power France, has been consistently critical of military takeovers throughout West Africa. Notably, Malian authorities have maintained official silence regarding Gassama’s detention and subsequent sentencing.

    This diplomatic friction echoes earlier tensions when Mali sentenced 49 Ivorian soldiers to 20 years imprisonment for alleged state security violations in 2022—an incident that Ivory Coast claimed involved personnel deployed as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission against Islamist militants. Those soldiers were eventually released through Togolese mediation efforts.

    Concurrently, Mali’s military leadership has pursued significant foreign policy shifts, overseeing the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces and French military units that had been combating jihadist insurgencies since 2013. In their place, Malian authorities have strengthened security cooperation with Russia, engaging Russian mercenary groups to address persistent instability throughout the Sahel region.

  • Palestinians in Israel amongst poorest amid increasing poverty rates, report says

    Palestinians in Israel amongst poorest amid increasing poverty rates, report says

    A stark socioeconomic divide is widening within Israel, with Palestinian citizens experiencing the most severe impacts of escalating poverty rates, according to a recent governmental assessment. The National Insurance Institute’s annual evaluation, released Thursday, reveals that approximately two million individuals—including 880,000 children representing over one-quarter of Israel’s youth—currently subsist below the poverty threshold in 2024.

    This comprehensive analysis positions Israel with the second-highest child poverty rate among OECD member nations, surpassed only by Costa Rica, with 28% of Israeli children classified as impoverished. The report further documents intensifying social inequality, indicating that 65.1% of impoverished individuals originate from marginalized communities, predominantly the Palestinian demographic.

    Statistical findings demonstrate that 37.6% of Palestinian households fell beneath the minimum income requirement in 2024, followed by Haredi Jewish families at 32.8%. Institutional experts identified Israel’s military operations in Gaza alongside the nation’s escalating cost of living as primary catalysts exacerbating poverty among families, children, and elderly populations.

    Zvika Cohen, Deputy Director General of the Institute, emphasized that these factors have ‘amplified pre-existing structural issues rather than creating new ones.’ Cohen warned that ‘without targeted investment in children, young families, and social services, intergenerational poverty transmission will persist unabated.’

    Nitza Kassir, Deputy Director of Research and Planning, advocated for enhanced social safety nets to address declining income levels, particularly following recent conflicts. Kassir highlighted the unequal economic burden, noting that financial pressures are ‘more profound and severe within populations already experiencing economic hardship,’ stressing the necessity of workforce integration and equitable wage distribution.

    The annual assessment indicates 27.8% of Israeli households struggle to meet basic financial obligations, with Palestinian communities consistently ranking as most disadvantaged—approximately half cannot cover monthly expenses including medical treatments, prescription medications, and nutritional requirements.

    Historical context reveals that Palestinian citizens of Israel descend from native populations displaced during Israel’s establishment in 1948. Currently numbering over two million people (21% of Israel’s 9.8 million population), this community has endured decades of discriminatory legislation and institutional practices, reporting persistent challenges in accessing housing and public services.

    A November report by legal center Adalah documented that Israel enacted over 30 laws between October 2023 and July 2025 that reinforce systems of apartheid and repression against Palestinians. These legislative measures target fundamental rights including freedom of expression, protest rights, citizenship provisions, family unification, and detainee protections.