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  • Marriage drama ‘Yellow Letters’ wins Berlin Film Festival’s top prize

    Marriage drama ‘Yellow Letters’ wins Berlin Film Festival’s top prize

    The 2026 Berlin Film Festival concluded with a powerful political statement as Ilker Catak’s Turkish-language drama ‘Yellow Letters’ secured the prestigious Golden Bear award. The film examines marital dynamics under authoritarian pressure, following a Turkish actor-playwright couple forced to abandon their comfortable existence after the husband faces government persecution for online dissent.

    Festival director Tricia Tuttle defended the event’s overtly political nature, stating during the opening ceremony that the emotionally charged atmosphere reflected the Berlinale fulfilling its purpose rather than representing a failure of cinema. The festival maintained its reputation as the most politically engaged among major international film competitions, with the Gaza conflict dominating many discussions.

    In his acceptance speech, Turkish-German director Catak delivered a passionate address identifying autocrats, right-wing parties, and contemporary nihilists as existential threats to democratic values. ‘The real threat is not among us. It is out there,’ Catak declared, urging unity against authoritarian forces.

    The awards ceremony also recognized outstanding individual achievements. German actress Sandra Hüller continued her remarkable career trajectory by winning the Best Actor award for her performance in the period piece ‘Rose,’ adding to her acclaimed work in 2024 Oscar-winning films ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ and ‘Zone of Interest.’

    Other notable winners included Turkish filmmaker Emin Alper’s ‘Salvation’ (Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize), Grant Gee’s jazz biopic ‘Everybody Digs Bill Evans’ (Best Director), and the dementia drama ‘Queen at Sea’ which captured both the Jury Prize and shared Best Supporting Actor honors for veterans Anna Calder-Marshall and Tom Courtenay. The festival’s Best Screenplay award went to ‘Nina Roza,’ exploring art authentication in Bulgaria.

  • iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold may launch together this September

    iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold may launch together this September

    Apple appears poised to revolutionize its smartphone lineup with the simultaneous launch of its inaugural foldable iPhone and the iPhone 18 Pro series this September, according to emerging supply chain intelligence. Recent disclosures indicate that display production for both product categories will commence in July, maintaining Apple’s traditional timeline for fall releases.

    The technological convergence represents a significant strategic shift for Apple, which previously considered staggering the release of its standard iPhone 18 models across different timeframes. Industry observers note that Samsung Display has been exclusively commissioned for manufacturing the sophisticated foldable screens, with LG Display notably absent from this particular project.

    Engineering foldable displays presents substantial technical challenges, particularly regarding crease minimization, durability enhancement, and precision hinge mechanics. Apple has reportedly dedicated extensive research and development resources to overcome these hurdles, with prototype testing circulating through supply chains for several years.

    The anticipated September unveiling would mark Apple’s formal entry into the competitive foldable smartphone market, positioning its offering alongside established flagship models. This strategic move demonstrates Apple’s commitment to innovation while maintaining its premium product positioning.

    Despite mounting evidence from manufacturing channels, Apple maintains its characteristic silence regarding unannounced products, neither confirming nor denying the existence of the foldable iPhone project. The tech community awaits official confirmation, potentially coming during Apple’s traditional September launch event.

  • 50 feared missing after another Philippines landfill collapse

    50 feared missing after another Philippines landfill collapse

    A catastrophic landfill collapse in Montalban, Rizal, on Saturday afternoon has left approximately 50 individuals missing, raising fears of a death toll surpassing January’s deadly garbage slide in Cebu City that claimed 36 lives. The incident occurred at 2:00 PM local time at the ISWIMS-operated facility in Barangay San Isidro, initially affecting around 100 people according to preliminary assessments.

    Initial reports from the University of the Philippines’ Philippine Collegian indicate a concerning absence of coordinated government-led rescue operations in the immediate aftermath. The student publication further revealed that landfill operator International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialist Inc. (ISWIMS) has been restricting access to information, blocking both journalists and local residents from obtaining details about the disaster and its casualties.

    The collapse, reportedly triggered by three backhoe vehicles operating at the site, buried numerous victims under tons of waste material. The tragedy strikes a vulnerable community that had already been facing the threat of demolition, with approximately 1,000 families potentially facing displacement from their homes adjacent to the landfill facility.

    This disaster echoes previous waste management tragedies in the Philippines, including the April 2013 Rodriguez trash slide that killed four people, and more recently, the January 8 Binaliw landfill collapse in Cebu City that resulted in 36 fatalities. The Cebu incident was attributed to unsafe operational practices by private contractors, including improper waste stacking techniques that created unstable garbage mounds.

    The Montalban area has undergone significant environmental transformation in recent decades, with once-pristine mountains and valleys converted into dumping grounds for metropolitan Manila’s waste. This shift occurred following the permanent closure of Quezon City’s Payatas Landfill in 2017, which itself was the site of the country’s most devastating garbage slide in July 2000 that killed at least 218 people with hundreds more remaining missing.

    As of Sunday, local government authorities had not issued official statements regarding the latest incident, with response efforts potentially hampered by the weekend holiday. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in waste management practices and regulatory oversight of private landfill operators across the Philippines.

  • Trump curious why Iran has not ‘capitulated’, US envoy Witkoff says

    Trump curious why Iran has not ‘capitulated’, US envoy Witkoff says

    Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed bewilderment at Iran’s refusal to capitulate despite significant American military deployments near its borders. Presidential envoy Steve Witkoff revealed to Fox News that Trump remains “curious” about Tehran’s resilience after Washington threatened limited military strikes should nuclear negotiations collapse.

    The geopolitical standoff unfolds against a backdrop of renewed civil unrest within Iran, where verified footage shows anti-government demonstrations erupting at multiple universities—the largest since January’s deadly crackdown that reportedly claimed thousands of lives. At Sharif University of Technology, protesters raised pre-revolutionary flags while chanting monarchist slogans, clashing with government supporters who burned U.S. and Israeli flags.

    Despite these tensions, diplomatic channels remain active. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated negotiations continue on a “win-win” framework, with Tehran preparing a draft agreement for presentation to U.S. officials. Indirect talks mediated by Oman in Geneva on February 17 showed reported progress, with another round scheduled for the coming days.

    The U.S. military buildup includes the advanced USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group and USS Abraham Lincoln strike force—a show of force that Trump suggested might culminate in action within “10 days” if diplomacy fails. This deployment represents the largest concentration of naval power near Iranian waters in recent years.

    Human rights organizations report staggering casualty figures from January’s unrest, with Hrana documenting over 7,000 deaths—a figure Iranian authorities contest, claiming most casualties were security personnel caught in riot violence. The administration’s mixed approach of military pressure and diplomatic engagement reflects the complex calculus surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and internal stability.

  • Iran’s leader ‘entrusts’ security chief to run country in case of war, assassination

    Iran’s leader ‘entrusts’ security chief to run country in case of war, assassination

    In a significant revelation about Iran’s contingency planning, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has implemented comprehensive directives to ensure governmental continuity should the nation face external attacks or leadership decapitation. According to intelligence obtained by The New York Times, these measures include a sophisticated four-tier succession framework for both military and civilian leadership positions.

    The strategic blueprint designates Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, as a pivotal figure in maintaining national stability. While Larijani cannot assume the Supreme Leadership due to religious qualifications (requiring senior Shia clerical status), he emerges as the central operational authority should upper echelons be compromised. The network of potential successors also includes Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and former President Hassan Rouhani.

    The reporting further illuminates the intricate power dynamics within Iran’s governance structure. Notably, during recent tensions, when U.S. regional envoy Steve Witkoff attempted communication with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi following President Trump’s threats, the request was ultimately redirected to Larijani for authorization—bypassing both the foreign minister and President Masoud Pezeshkian. This incident underscores Larijani’s elevated authority in security and foreign policy matters.

    These developments occur against a backdrop of intensified U.S.-Iran hostilities, despite ongoing diplomatic engagements. Recent discreet talks, reportedly facilitated through Omani channels in Cologny, represent efforts to avert military confrontation. Khamenei’s public defiance toward U.S. threats emphasizes Iran’s preparedness for any scenario, with these newly revealed succession plans serving as a concrete manifestation of this strategic posture.

  • No family visits allowed for ex Philippine president Duterte during ICC hearings

    No family visits allowed for ex Philippine president Duterte during ICC hearings

    Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte remains in complete isolation at International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facilities as pivotal hearings commence regarding crimes against humanity charges. The Duterte family confirmed through an official statement that all requests for face-to-face visits have been denied throughout the judicial proceedings.

    The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I convenes this week to examine evidence supporting allegations against Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, which resulted in thousands of fatalities during his presidency and earlier tenure as Davao City mayor. Despite the former leader’s formal request to be excused from physical attendance, the court maintains strict protocols limiting external contact.

    Duterte’s legal defense team includes prominent Filipino attorneys such as former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, ex-Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, and former Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. They are joined by attorneys Martin Delgra III, Alfredo Lim Jr., and Caesar Dulay in challenging the ICC’s jurisdiction.

    The judicial process represents the culmination of an eight-year legal battle that began with initial complaints filed in June 2017. Duterte’s administration subsequently withdrew the Philippines from the Rome Statute in March 2018, though the ICC asserts jurisdiction over crimes alleged between November 2011 and March 2019, when the nation remained a state party to the treaty.

    Official government records acknowledge approximately 6,000 fatalities during Duterte’s anti-drug operations, though international human rights organizations and ICC prosecutors estimate the actual death toll between 12,000 and 30,000. The former president, who describes himself as ‘old, tired and frail,’ has accepted the possibility of dying in detention while maintaining his non-recognition of the court’s authority.

  • Apple AI glasses: Release date, features and expected UAE price

    Apple AI glasses: Release date, features and expected UAE price

    Apple is reportedly accelerating development of its long-rumored AI-powered smart glasses, marking a significant advancement in wearable technology. According to Bloomberg reports, the tech giant is working on three distinct AI wearables: smart glasses, a pendant device, and camera-equipped AirPods, all designed to integrate Siri more deeply into daily life.

    The glasses project represents a strategic shift from earlier expectations of full augmented reality capabilities. Instead of complex AR overlays, Apple appears focused on practical AI assistance through sophisticated computer vision technology. This approach contrasts with the company’s high-end Vision Pro spatial computing device, priced at Dh13,999 in the UAE, positioning the glasses as a more accessible everyday companion.

    Technical specifications indicate the glasses will feature dual integrated cameras—one dedicated to computer vision and another for photo and video capture. The device will include microphones, speakers, and on-device AI processing, all embedded within the frame without requiring an external battery pack. This represents a significant engineering achievement from earlier prototypes that relied on separate power sources.

    A potentially groundbreaking development emerged through Apple’s recent acquisition of startup Q.ai for approximately $2 billion. The company specialized in machine learning systems capable of interpreting silent voice input through micro facial movements and subvocalization detection. This technology could enable users to communicate with Siri without audible speech, revolutionizing voice assistant interactions in crowded or private settings.

    While no official release date has been confirmed, industry speculation suggests a potential launch within the next year. Pricing is expected to significantly exceed Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, currently available for Dh1,549 in the UAE market. The integration of advanced silent communication technology positions Apple’s offering as a potentially transformative product in the rapidly evolving AI wearable landscape.

  • Bones of St Francis of Assisi go on public display in Italy

    Bones of St Francis of Assisi go on public display in Italy

    In an unprecedented event marking the 800th anniversary of his death, the skeletal remains of Saint Francis of Assisi have been unveiled for public veneration in the Italian town that bears his name. The historic exhibition, which commenced this Sunday, is taking place within the hallowed walls of the Basilica of St. Francis’s lower church.

    The 13th-century relics, meticulously preserved within a nitrogen-filled plexiglass case positioned before the altar, represent one of the most significant religious exhibitions in modern history. Italian authorities report an overwhelming global response, with approximately 400,000 pilgrims and visitors having secured reservations to witness the sacred remains firsthand.

    This extraordinary viewing opportunity marks only the second time the saint’s bones have been accessible to the public. The previous occasion occurred briefly in 1978 when a select group was permitted a single day of veneration.

    Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181 or 1182, Saint Francis underwent a profound spiritual transformation that led him to renounce considerable family wealth and embrace a life of poverty and service. His legacy includes founding the Franciscan Order and becoming the recognized patron saint of animals, ecology, and Italy itself.

    The current exhibition holds particular significance given the recent papacy of Pope Francis, who consciously modeled his leadership after the saint’s radical humility and dedication to the poor. The display will remain accessible to the public through March 22nd, providing an extended period for reflection and veneration of one of Christianity’s most beloved figures.

  • EU ‘expects’ US to honour trade deal as Trump hikes tariffs

    EU ‘expects’ US to honour trade deal as Trump hikes tariffs

    The European Commission has issued a firm appeal to the United States government, urging adherence to previously established trade agreements following President Donald Trump’s abrupt imposition of new global tariffs. This development emerges just one day after a significant Supreme Court ruling that deemed substantial portions of Trump’s international tariff strategy unlawful.

    Commission officials emphasized the fundamental principle that “a deal is a deal,” highlighting the European Union’s position as America’s largest trading partner. The statement explicitly called for Washington to honor commitments outlined in the Joint Statement, mirroring the EU’s consistent compliance with its obligations.

    The controversy stems from Trump’s decision to temporarily elevate global import duties to 15% on Saturday—a move that injected fresh uncertainty into international markets. This action directly contradicts the EU-US agreement established last year, which specifically capped tariffs on most European goods at a maximum of 15%.

    European officials have expressed particular concern about the unpredictable application of tariffs, warning that such practices inherently disrupt global markets and undermine confidence throughout international supply chains. The Commission has formally requested comprehensive clarification regarding Washington’s intended course of action following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

    Behind the scenes, diplomatic channels remain active with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic maintaining communication with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. While American officials have publicly affirmed their commitment to existing trade deals, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde acknowledged uncertainty regarding the practical consequences of the judicial decision.

    The political ramifications are already materializing, with the European Parliament’s trade committee postponing its scheduled approval of the EU-US deal pending further legal assessment and explicit commitments from American authorities. Bernd Lange, the committee’s head, characterized the situation as “pure tariff chaos” from the US administration, emphasizing the need for clarity and legal certainty before proceeding.

    Financial analysts at ING bank suggest that Trump’s new tariffs might represent strategic “smoke and mirrors” to create negotiating leverage, potentially enabling alternative tariff justifications based on unfair trade practices or agreement violations. This development marks a substantial judicial rebuke to the administration from a court that has typically supported presidential authority, representing a significant setback to Trump’s signature economic policy that has profoundly disrupted global trade norms.

  • Greenland says ‘no thanks’ to Trump US hospital boat

    Greenland says ‘no thanks’ to Trump US hospital boat

    Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has issued a diplomatic rebuke to former U.S. President Donald Trump following his unexpected announcement about deploying a U.S. hospital ship to the Arctic territory. The exchange marks the latest development in Trump’s longstanding interest in Greenland, which he previously attempted to purchase during his presidency.

    Trump took to his Truth Social platform to declare he was dispatching ‘a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there,’ accompanied by an illustration of the USNS Mercy, one of two hospital ships operated by the U.S. Navy. The post provided no specifics regarding the timing or motivation behind this decision.

    In a firm response, Prime Minister Nielsen declined the offer, stating unequivocally that ‘it’s going to be a no thanks from us.’ He emphasized Greenland’s robust public healthcare system, noting that ‘we have a public healthcare system where treatment is free for citizens,’ drawing an implicit contrast with the United States’ healthcare model. Nielsen further urged more conventional diplomatic channels, suggesting Trump should ‘talk to us instead of just making more or less random outbursts on social media.’

    The unusual exchange occurs against the backdrop of continued U.S. interest in Greenland’s strategic position. Trump previously attempted to purchase the vast Arctic island during his presidency, though he conceded in January that he would not pursue acquisition by force. Subsequently, he announced a ‘framework for a future deal’ regarding U.S.-Greenland relations, though details remain unspecified despite claims from U.S. Vice President JD Vance that European countries were ‘willing to make a lot of accommodations.’

    The timing of Trump’s hospital ship announcement raised questions as it followed closely after Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command reported evacuating a crew member requiring urgent medical attention from a U.S. submarine near Nuuk, though any connection between the events remains unconfirmed.