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  • Rose gets another win at Torrey Pines. This was one special with his longtime caddie at his side

    Rose gets another win at Torrey Pines. This was one special with his longtime caddie at his side

    SAN DIEGO — English golfer Justin Rose secured a historic seven-stroke victory at the Farmers Insurance Open, breaking the tournament’s scoring record previously held by Tiger Woods. Beyond the statistical achievement, Rose’s triumph carried profound emotional significance as it marked his first major win alongside longtime caddie Mark ‘Fooch’ Fulcher since the latter’s serious health crisis.

    The victory represented a full-circle moment for the partnership. When Rose previously won at Torrey Pines in 2019, Fulcher was recovering from heart surgery in England, forcing Rose to employ Gareth Lord as his temporary caddie. Rose acknowledged the psychological difficulty that victory created for Fulcher, who watched from a hospital bed as his player ‘cruised to victory’ with another caddie.

    ‘That win was always a tough one for Fooch, not fighting for his life but he was in a pretty bad way in the hospital,’ Rose reflected. ‘Seeing us kind of cruise to victory and hugging Lordie on the 18th green, he nearly had to have another procedure after that, I think.’

    The Century Club of San Diego commemorated both victories with traditional surfboard trophies, with Rose requesting one be dedicated directly to Fulcher. The golfer further asked that his personal surfboard be inscribed with both winning years—2019 and 2026—symbolizing their shared journey.

    In tournament administration developments, Adam Scott and Lucas Glover were selected as candidates for PGA Tour Player Advisory Council chairman, with the winner assuming a critical board position during a period of significant tour restructuring. Meanwhile, LIV Golf commenced its fifth season without veterans Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood, both citing health-related absences from opening events.

    The R&A expanded British Open qualifying opportunities through the Asian Tour’s Singapore Open and Korea Open, offering pathways to Royal Birkdale. European Tour standout Marco Penge balanced his PGA Tour debut with impending fatherhood, while Scottie Scheffler’s dominant streak continued with his 20th career victory.

  • French prosecutors seek to ban Marine Le Pen from office, jeopardizing her 2027 presidential bid

    French prosecutors seek to ban Marine Le Pen from office, jeopardizing her 2027 presidential bid

    PARIS — French judicial authorities have initiated proceedings to disqualify far-right leader Marine Le Pen and key members of her National Rally party from holding public office, potentially derailing her anticipated 2027 presidential campaign. The move comes during a critical appeals trial examining allegations of systematic misuse of European Parliament funds spanning over a decade.

    Prosecutors Thierry Ramonatxo and Stéphane Madoz-Blanchet presented their case before Paris’s appeals court, characterizing the financial arrangements as “a very serious breach of probity” that provided the party with “substantial savings made at the expense of the European Parliament.” Madoz-Blanchet further detailed what he described as “a system” established by party leadership, alleging that “acts of misappropriation were deliberately and carefully concealed.”

    Le Pen, 57, acknowledged during proceedings that some individuals performed work for her party—formerly known as the National Front—while receiving compensation as EU parliamentary aides, terming the arrangement “a mistake.” The appeal seeks to overturn a March 2025 conviction that found her guilty of financial misconduct between 2004 and 2016.

    The trial involves Le Pen, ten additional defendants, and the National Rally as a legal entity, with proceedings expected to continue through next week. A verdict is anticipated before summer, with potential outcomes ranging from acquittal to a conviction carrying penalties of up to ten years imprisonment and a €1 million fine.

    Speaking outside the courtroom, Le Pen expressed skepticism about judicial outcomes, stating: “I never expect a pleasant surprise when I set foot in a courtroom. I’m not the one who decides—I don’t hold the cards.”

    Prior to the initial ruling, Le Pen was considered the front-runner to succeed President Emmanuel Macron. Should she be rendered ineligible, she has designated 30-year-old protégé Jordan Bardella as her political successor.

  • Second peak of flu season in UAE? Doctors say never too late to get vaccinated

    Second peak of flu season in UAE? Doctors say never too late to get vaccinated

    The United Arab Emirates is confronting an unexpected extension of its influenza season, with medical professionals reporting consistently elevated case numbers throughout January and February rather than the typical decline. Healthcare facilities across the nation are witnessing increased patient volumes presenting with classic flu symptoms including fever, persistent cough, and profound fatigue, particularly affecting family units, elderly citizens, and young children.

    Medical experts clarify that influenza patterns typically unfold in two distinct phases. Influenza A strains typically dominate the initial winter surge between December and January, while Influenza B variants commonly peak during February through April. This biological pattern means individuals who avoided illness during the earlier winter months remain vulnerable to subsequent infection.

    Dr. Rehab Yousuf Al Saadi, Specialist in Family Medicine and Department Head at Saudi German Hospital, Dubai, confirms this atypical pattern: “We’re observing sustained influenza activity in the UAE and globally heading into late January and February, which traditionally represents peak season. Case numbers are significantly higher than anticipated for this period following an initial surge connected to travel and post-holiday social interactions.”

    Physicians attribute this prolonged season to multiple converging factors: cooler temperatures driving indoor congregation, post-travel social gatherings, and insufficient vaccination coverage within communities. The current epidemiological pattern suggests sustained community transmission rather than isolated outbreaks.

    High-risk demographics include adults over 65, children under five, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing conditions such as respiratory disorders, cardiac conditions, renal disease, hepatic impairment, or compromised immune systems. Characteristic symptoms comprise high-grade fever (37.8–40°C), extreme exhaustion, sore throat, non-productive cough, myalgia, and rhinorrhea.

    Health authorities emphasize that influenza vaccination remains effective even at this stage of the season. The current vaccine formulation provides protection against both Influenza A and B strains, substantially reducing hospitalization risk and severe complications even when not preventing infection entirely.

    Preventive recommendations include rigorous hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette through cough covering, voluntary isolation when symptomatic, and maintaining robust immune health through balanced nutrition, adequate rest, and proper hydration. Medical attention should be sought immediately for concerning symptoms including respiratory distress, persistent high fever, disorientation, or chest pain and pressure.

  • ‘I don’t think I am a hero’: Boy, 13, describes ‘superhuman’ swim to save family

    ‘I don’t think I am a hero’: Boy, 13, describes ‘superhuman’ swim to save family

    In an extraordinary display of courage and resilience, 13-year-old Austin Appelbee undertook a perilous four-hour swim through treacherous ocean conditions to rescue his stranded family off Western Australia’s coast. The incident occurred last Friday near Quindalup beach when what began as leisurely paddleboarding in Geographe Bay turned disastrous after sudden wind shifts carried the family miles offshore.

    Separated from his mother Joanne and siblings Beau (12) and Grace (8), who clung desperately to paddleboards as darkness fell, Austin battled failing equipment, vanishing shorelines, and mounting exhaustion. His kayak capsized and took on water, forcing him to abandon both the vessel and his lifejacket before swimming the final two nautical miles using only his arms.

    Meanwhile, Joanne faced her own nightmare scenario, struggling to maintain hold of her younger children in increasingly violent waves while wrestling with the terrifying possibility that her decision to send Austin for help might have cost him his life. ‘I had assumed Austin hadn’t made it,’ she confessed to BBC News, describing the agonizing wait without sight of rescue vessels.

    The breakthrough came around 6:00 PM local time when Austin finally reached shore and accessed his mother’s phone to alert emergency services. Collapsing from exhaustion after making the call, he was hospitalized without knowing whether his family had survived. Minutes later, an ecstatic confirmation arrived: all had been rescued approximately 14 kilometers offshore.

    Medical teams treated the family for minor injuries and exposure, with Austin requiring crutches due to extreme muscle soreness. Despite being hailed as a hero by rescue officials—Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group commander Paul Bresland described his efforts as ‘superhuman’—the modest teenager insists he merely ‘did what I did’ through a combination of prayer, positive thinking, and determination to save his loved ones.

  • BTS comeback show and documentary to be on Netflix

    BTS comeback show and documentary to be on Netflix

    Global music phenomenon BTS has unveiled comprehensive plans for their monumental return to the music scene, marking their first collective activities since completing mandatory military service. The groundbreaking announcement includes a Netflix live stream event, an intimate documentary film, and an extensive world tour spanning 34 cities across 82 dates.

    The comeback initiative launches with the release of their fifth studio album ‘ARIRANG’ on March 20th, followed by a historic live-streamed concert from Seoul’s iconic Gwanghwamun Square on March 21st. This performance will represent the septet’s first public appearance as a complete unit since their hiatus began in 2022.

    Netflix, in partnership with Hybe Corporation, will broadcast the landmark event globally while simultaneously preparing ‘BTS: The Return’ documentary scheduled for March 27th release. The film promises unprecedented access to the group’s journey through military service completion and their creative process in developing new music that reflects their artistic evolution.

    The world tour, their first global circuit since 2019, will include two nights at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 6th and 7th. This marks a significant moment for the Grammy-nominated ensemble, who haven’t performed outside the United States and South Korea in over five years.

    Netflix representatives characterized the multifaceted comeback as “a defining cultural moment” that transcends musical performance, offering fans insight into the group’s personal and artistic transformation during their period of mandatory service.

  • Plan B Group: Running towards a healthier UAE

    Plan B Group: Running towards a healthier UAE

    In the United Arab Emirates, where national priorities emphasize wellbeing, inclusion, and enhanced quality of life, community-oriented initiatives are gaining significant traction. Plan B Group has emerged as a pioneering agency at the confluence of sports, social awareness, and public impact, transitioning from conventional event management to creating transformative platforms that foster active participation and meaningful societal progress.

    The agency’s proprietary sporting intellectual properties, notably ‘She Runs’ and ‘Cancer Run’, illustrate how strategically designed programs can cultivate a healthier, more interconnected society. These initiatives function not as isolated events but as evolving movements that align with the UAE’s overarching objectives in preventive healthcare, social unity, and the promotion of active lifestyles.

    Central to Plan B Group’s mission is the conviction that athletic activities serve as powerful catalysts for change. By organizing accessible and inclusive events, the agency promotes healthier habits while strengthening community bonds among diverse population segments. Each project is engineered for enduring impact, ensuring that present involvement leads to sustained awareness and positive long-term behavioral adaptation.

    A landmark achievement was realized in 2025 with ‘She Runs’, the group’s premier women-only running event. This initiative secured a Guinness World Record for the highest number of participants in a female-only run, establishing it as the largest event of its kind in the UAE and surrounding region. Beyond breaking records, the accomplishment underscored the increasing need for secure, empowering environments for women in sports.

    Capitalizing on this success, Plan B Group introduced ‘Cancer Run™’ in 2026, a community campaign focused on health education, early disease detection, and public solidarity. The event aims to set a new record for the most nationalities represented in a cancer awareness run, reflecting the UAE’s multicultural identity and unified spirit. It assembles participants from varied backgrounds under a common objective of promoting wellness and preventive care.

    Together, these initiatives demonstrate Plan B Group’s unique capacity to develop award-winning programs valued for their substantive outcomes rather than mere scale. They exemplify the agency’s proficiency in designing, expanding, and maintaining platforms that generate lasting community benefits.

    Dr. Harmeek Singh, Founder and Chairman of Plan B Group, articulated the vision behind these efforts: “Our fundamental aim has always been to develop platforms with a higher purpose. ‘She Runs’ and ‘Cancer Run’ are not merely events—they are communal movements encouraging healthier lifestyles, inclusivity, and proactive awareness. When individuals run for a cause, they engage in something greater than themselves, initiating genuine transformative impact.”

    As the UAE continues to advance its well-being agenda, Plan B Group provides an influential blueprint for how organizations can contribute to national development through purpose-led initiatives. By building sustained, value-driven platforms, the group is actively shaping a culture marked by active living, shared responsibility, and collective advancement.

  • South Africa’s ex-President Zuma mentioned in Epstein emails over London dinner plan

    South Africa’s ex-President Zuma mentioned in Epstein emails over London dinner plan

    Newly unsealed court documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case have revealed former South African President Jacob Zuma’s connection to a 2010 London dinner arranged by the convicted sex offender. The emails, released as part of ongoing legal proceedings, detail Epstein’s personal involvement in organizing a gathering for Zuma during his official state visit to the United Kingdom in March 2010.

    According to the correspondence, Epstein coordinated through an associate to extend invitations for a “small dinner” at the Ritz Hotel honoring President Zuma. One particularly revealing email exchange shows the invitation of a Russian model, described in subsequent messages as having “enchanted all those she met” with her “elegance and natural charm.” The model specifically inquired about dress code appropriateness for the presidential event.

    In separate communications, Epstein directly contacted British politician Lord Peter Mandelson, explicitly mentioning his invitation of a “beautiful Russian” model to accompany Zuma’s dinner. While Mandelson’s response remains undocumented, follow-up correspondence between Epstein and another attendee praised Zuma as “much more impressive and engaging than I thought he would be.”

    The Jacob Zuma Foundation has vehemently denounced media coverage of these revelations, characterizing them as “agenda-driven journalism built on innuendo” and “retrospective guilt by association.” In an official statement, the foundation emphasized that no allegations of unlawful or improper conduct by Zuma have been substantiated, dismissing the reports as “intellectually dishonest” attempts to smear the former president through proximity to Epstein’s crimes.

    Historical context confirms Zuma was indeed on an official state visit to the UK from March 3-5, 2010, corresponding with the dinner date referenced in the emails. Epstein, the convicted sex offender and financier at the center of the scandal, died by suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

  • Netflix to livestream BTS comeback concert in first-ever K-pop mega event

    Netflix to livestream BTS comeback concert in first-ever K-pop mega event

    In a groundbreaking move for the entertainment industry, Netflix announced on Tuesday its plans to livestream BTS’s highly anticipated comeback concert to approximately 190 countries. This landmark event, scheduled for March 21, marks the streaming platform’s first foray into large-scale K-pop live broadcasting and potentially represents the most extensive live K-pop event in history.

    The seven-member supergroup, having recently completed their mandatory military service requirements throughout 2022-2025, will release their new album ‘ARIRANG’ on March 20. The subsequent day will feature a monumental free concert at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, serving as both a comeback celebration and prelude to their extensive world tour.

    Netflix’s exclusive broadcast, titled ‘BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG’, symbolizes a significant partnership between the streaming giant and HYBE, BTS’s management company. The new album itself carries profound cultural significance, named after a traditional Korean folk song that expresses themes of separation and longing, often considered Korea’s unofficial national anthem.

    According to Netflix representatives, the album reflects ‘a deep contemplation on the group’s origins and identity,’ with an accompanying documentary ‘BTS: THE RETURN’ scheduled for release on March 27.

    The economic implications of BTS’s return are substantial. Prior to their military hiatus, the group generated an estimated 5.5 trillion won ($3.8 billion) annually for South Korea’s economy, equivalent to 0.2% of the nation’s total GDP. Financial markets responded positively to the announcement, with HYBE shares rising 2.5% during morning trading in Seoul.

    The subsequent world tour, commencing in April, will encompass 34 cities with 79 performances, establishing it as the most extensive tour by both performance count and geographical reach for any K-pop artist in history.

  • In the Ukrainian capital, a mother struggles to keep her children warm and fed amid power outages

    In the Ukrainian capital, a mother struggles to keep her children warm and fed amid power outages

    KYIV, Ukraine — As temperatures plummet to a bone-chilling minus 30 degrees Celsius (minus 22 Fahrenheit), residents of Ukraine’s capital face an unprecedented humanitarian crisis following systematic Russian attacks on critical energy infrastructure. The situation has deteriorated to its most critical point since the invasion began four years ago, with damage to power stations and electrical grids reaching catastrophic levels.

    In the hard-hit district of Troieshchyna, daily life has been reduced to fundamental survival needs. Yuliia Dolotova, a 37-year-old mother of two, exemplifies the struggle faced by hundreds of thousands of Kyiv residents. With her 18-month-old son Bohdanchyk bundled against the bitter cold, she queues for hot meals at volunteer stations—the only sustenance available since cooking at home has become impossible amid continuous power outages.

    “The reality is stark: no electricity throughout the day, no means to prepare meals for children. This has become our universal experience,” Dolotova stated, reflecting the collective hardship gripping the capital.

    The destruction extends beyond power generation. Frozen and burst water pipes have compounded the crisis, creating additional challenges for already strained residents. Energy crews work tirelessly to restore heating and implement outage schedules, but their efforts are routinely undone by subsequent Russian strikes using drones and missiles, forcing restoration work to begin anew.

    For Dolotova, the physical hardship is magnified by personal sacrifice. Her husband serves on the volatile Zaporizhzhia front, having met his youngest son only twice since birth. She single-handedly cares for Bohdanchyk and 11-year-old Daniil while navigating pitch-black stairwells in their Soviet-era apartment building—a treacherous ascent that has already destroyed two strollers.

    Evening routines have transformed into exercises in resilience. The brothers huddle together for warmth near frost-rimmed windows, playing silently by flashlight. At bedtime, Dolotova lines their bed with foam rubber insulation against the penetrating cold.

    “I sustain myself through anticipation of his leaves,” she revealed. “Waiting sustains me. You convince yourself—just a little longer, and he’ll return. You mark each passing day.”

  • India’s Modi praised for US trade deal as opposition questions impact on agriculture

    India’s Modi praised for US trade deal as opposition questions impact on agriculture

    In a significant diplomatic development, former President Donald Trump announced a major trade agreement with India that would reduce U.S. import tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%. The arrangement comes as part of a broader understanding that India will cease purchasing Russian crude oil, a move Trump claims will help end the conflict in Ukraine.

    The announcement, made through Trump’s Truth Social platform on Monday, represents a reversal of previously imposed punitive tariffs that had targeted India for its continued acquisition of Russian energy resources. According to Trump, the agreement also stipulates that India will gradually eliminate import duties on American products and commit to purchasing $500 billion worth of U.S. goods, though specific timelines remain unspecified.

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed enthusiasm about the tariff reduction, describing Trump’s leadership as ‘vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity’ in a social media post. However, the Indian government has maintained notable silence regarding the precise details of the arrangement, particularly concerning the cessation of Russian oil imports.

    The political response in India has been mixed. Lawmakers from the ruling coalition celebrated the agreement as a diplomatic achievement, while opposition parties raised serious concerns about potential impacts on sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture. Parliamentary proceedings were disrupted as opposition members demanded clarity on how the deal might affect domestic agricultural markets and employment.

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooker Rollings welcomed the development, emphasizing the potential benefits for American farmers through expanded access to India’s substantial market. This perspective contrasts with Indian analysts who urge caution, noting that achieving $500 billion in American imports would require decades given current trade volumes of approximately $50 billion.

    Finance Ministry official Arvind Shrivastava characterized the agreement as an opportunity to deepen trade relations between two economic powerhouses, potentially creating new opportunities for India’s manufacturing and technology sectors. However, trade expert Ajay Srivastava highlighted the need for clarification on product coverage, implementation timelines, and protections for sensitive industries before celebrating the announcement.