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  • 2nd round of indirect Iran-US nuclear talks begins in Geneva: media

    2nd round of indirect Iran-US nuclear talks begins in Geneva: media

    GENEVA — The second round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States commenced in Geneva on Tuesday, with Omani mediators facilitating discussions between the two longstanding adversaries, according to Saudi media reports.

    The American delegation is represented by US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, signaling continued high-level engagement from Washington. Leading the Iranian contingent is Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who heads what Iranian state media describes as a “diplomatic and specialized” delegation.

    In a recent BBC interview, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi indicated Tehran’s potential flexibility regarding its stockpile of 60 percent-enriched uranium. However, he categorically rejected any possibility of completely eliminating uranium enrichment on Iranian soil, establishing a clear boundary in the negotiation parameters.

    These talks build upon the initial round held in Muscat, Oman on February 6, which both parties characterized as a “good start” despite failing to produce any substantial breakthroughs. The continued diplomatic engagement suggests both nations maintain interest in exploring potential pathways toward addressing longstanding nuclear concerns, though significant obstacles remain.

    The Geneva meetings represent ongoing efforts to revive diplomatic channels between Iran and the United States, with Oman continuing its role as intermediary in one of the most complex geopolitical relationships in the Middle East.

  • Pennsylvania man cleared after 43 years in prison for murder denied bail during deportation fight

    Pennsylvania man cleared after 43 years in prison for murder denied bail during deportation fight

    A Pennsylvania immigration judge has denied bail to Subramanyam Vedam, a 64-year-old man who spent 43 years in prison before his murder conviction was overturned, ensuring his continued detention while he contests deportation proceedings. The decision came during Tuesday’s hearing in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where Immigration Judge Tamar Wilson ruled that mandatory detention was required due to Vedam’s prior felony drug conviction.

    Vedam’s extraordinary legal journey began when a Pennsylvania judge overturned his murder conviction in August, based on previously undisclosed ballistics evidence from his 1980 trial. Instead of gaining freedom, Vedam was immediately transferred to immigration custody on October 3, where he remains at an 1,800-bed ICE facility in central Pennsylvania.

    The Board of Immigration Appeals has agreed to review Vedam’s case this month, acknowledging exceptional circumstances that warrant examination. His legal team, led by attorney Ava Benach, argues that Vedam would likely have obtained citizenship decades ago were it not for the wrongful murder conviction. According to Benach, Vedam would have completed his sentence for a minor LSD delivery offense by 1992 under the immigration laws then in effect.

    Support for Vedam extends beyond his legal team, with Centre County prosecutors and State College Mayor participating remotely in Tuesday’s hearing. Vedam’s family connections to the community run deep—his late father was a renowned Penn State University professor, and the family originally came to the U.S. legally from India when Vedam was just nine months old.

    The Department of Homeland Security maintains that ‘criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.,’ while Vedam’s sister Saraswathi Vedam describes her brother as remarkably resilient despite profound injustice. No further hearings have been scheduled yet to address the merits of the deportation case.

  • Italy pulls off a stunner in Olympic men’s speedskating team pursuit, earns first gold since 2006

    Italy pulls off a stunner in Olympic men’s speedskating team pursuit, earns first gold since 2006

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — In a stunning display of home-track dominance, Italy’s men’s speedskating team captured Olympic gold in the team pursuit event at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium on Tuesday. The Italian trio of Davide Ghiotto, Andrea Giovannini, and Michele Malfatti delivered a commanding performance against the reigning world record-holding American team, securing victory by a remarkable 4.5-second margin with a final time of 3 minutes, 39.20 seconds.

    The victory marks Italy’s first Olympic title in this discipline since the 2006 Turin Games, achieved before an electrified home crowd that provided continuous vocal support throughout the race. Despite a strong initial showing from the U.S. team comprising Casey Dawson, Emery Lehman, and Ethan Cepuran, the Italian skaters demonstrated superior endurance in the closing laps, surging ahead to claim the championship.

    In parallel competition, Canada’s women’s team pursuit squad successfully defended their Olympic title with Ivanie Blondin, Valerie Maltais, and Isabelle Weidemann—the same trio that triumphed in Beijing—posting a time of 2:55.81 to finish nearly a full second ahead of silver medalists Netherlands.

    Meanwhile, adverse weather conditions forced the postponement of the women’s snowboarding slopestyle final in Livigno due to heavy snowfall. The event, originally scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, was canceled without immediate rescheduling details, delaying New Zealand’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott’s attempt to defend her Olympic title after she qualified first in Sunday’s preliminary rounds.

    In other Olympic developments, France achieved a historic victory in the men’s biathlon relay, overcoming an initial last-place position to claim the nation’s first Olympic gold in the event. Norway’s Jens Luraas Oftebro secured his second Nordic combined gold medal of the Games, while the event itself faced protests regarding the continued exclusion of women from Olympic Nordic combined competition despite their participation in World Cup events and world championships.

  • A-MAP Group and ADNOC Distribution renew strategic alliance to accelerate lubricants market leadership

    A-MAP Group and ADNOC Distribution renew strategic alliance to accelerate lubricants market leadership

    In a significant development for the automotive lubricants industry, A-MAP Group has officially renewed its strategic partnership with ADNOC Distribution, cementing a powerful collaboration designed to reinforce market dominance and drive sustainable growth across key regions.

    The enhanced alliance strategically combines ADNOC Distribution’s robust national energy platform with A-MAP Group’s extensive distribution infrastructure. This synergy is positioned to accelerate market expansion, optimize supply chain efficiency, and address the rapidly evolving demands of customers and sustainability standards throughout the UAE and international markets.

    Asad Badami, Managing Director of A-MAP Group, emphasized the partnership’s critical role within the company’s growth strategy. He highlighted A-MAP’s commitment to delivering strong infrastructure, extensive customer reach, and an unwavering focus on performance and operational reliability to support ADNOC Distribution’s objectives.

    Echoing this sentiment, Eng. Saber Mohammed Al Ammari, Vice-President of Lubricant, Base Oil & Specialty Products at ADNOC Distribution, underscored the value of their long-standing collaboration. He noted that the partnership has been fundamental in expanding the footprint of the ADNOC Voyager lubricant brand across the UAE. By leveraging trusted distributors like A-MAP, ADNOC can enhance its market penetration, streamline its supply chain, and deliver premium lubricant solutions tailored to the needs of modern drivers and fleet operators. Al Ammari stated that such large-scale collaboration is essential for fostering shared growth, building market resilience, and ensuring consistent value delivery across all served markets.

    Operational metrics reveal the scale of this partnership: A-MAP Group currently manages over 700 customer accounts for ADNOC Voyager lubricants within the UAE, supported by a massive logistics and warehousing capacity exceeding 270,000 square feet. Beyond domestic operations, the group is expanding its global influence, operating in more than 60 international markets, which solidifies its status as a scalable and globally interconnected distribution leader.

  • Dubai Basketball clinch ABA League playoffs spot with big win

    Dubai Basketball clinch ABA League playoffs spot with big win

    In a spectacular display of basketball prowess, Dubai Basketball has officially clinched their spot in the ABA League playoffs following a decisive 100-82 triumph over Bosna BH Telecom. The landmark victory, achieved during Round 1 of the Top 8 phase, establishes the Emirati club as the first team to secure postseason qualification following the league’s second phase.

    The Tuesday evening matchup witnessed one of Dubai’s most complete performances this season, combining offensive precision with formidable defensive discipline. The home team entered the competition phase leading the Top 8 standings and reinforced their dominant position with a display that left little doubt about their championship credentials.

    The game’s trajectory was established early as Dubai implemented assertive offensive execution and disciplined half-court defense, consistently keeping pressure in the visitors’ territory. Key contributions came from Dzanan Musa, who found his rhythm midway through the opening quarter, and Mfiondu Kabengele, who established physical dominance in the paint. Although Bosna managed to narrow the deficit to four points late in the first quarter, Dubai’s structural integrity ensured they maintained the advantage.

    Head coach Jurica Golemac acknowledged the challenge post-game: ‘It was a very difficult game to play after these trips. Bosna is a very quality team and the result doesn’t fully reflect the competitive nature of the contest. They fought well and we needed to play exceptionally strong basketball to secure this victory.’

    Despite Bosna’s resurgence in the second quarter, highlighted by Michael Lamor Young Jr.’s offensive impact, Dubai maintained composure. A critical three-pointer from Aleksa Avramović stabilized the home team’s momentum, while enhanced ball movement exposed vulnerabilities in Bosna’s defensive scheme. By halftime, Dubai had expanded their lead to ten points (45-35), demonstrating the cohesion that would ultimately separate the contenders.

    The third quarter presented Bosna’s most determined challenge as the visitors emerged with renewed intensity, temporarily narrowing the gap through Young’s continued productivity. However, Dubai’s physical versatility proved insurmountable. Kabengele’s ability to stretch the floor, combined with sustained interior control, prevented Bosna from maintaining momentum. By the period’s conclusion, Dubai had reestablished a commanding 12-point advantage.

    The final quarter saw Bosna demonstrate resilience, but Dubai’s offensive consistency ensured the lead never approached threatening margins, culminating in an 18-point victory that solidifies their championship aspirations.

    Kabengele led all scorers with 21 points, anchoring Dubai’s offensive production, while Musa contributed 15 points against his former club. McKinley Wright added 13 points to the balanced scoring effort. The victory strengthens Dubai’s position atop the standings as the ABA League season progresses toward its decisive phase.

    The team now looks ahead to their next home game, another EuroLeague night where playoff positioning intensifies. Following an away victory against Milan, Dubai currently occupies 11th place—just one position outside Play-In tournament qualification—adding another layer of significance to their continental campaign.

  • Attorney-General’s alleged role in illegal adoptions rocks Guatemala

    Attorney-General’s alleged role in illegal adoptions rocks Guatemala

    United Nations human rights experts have issued a formal call for investigation into Guatemala’s Attorney General Consuelo Porras regarding her alleged involvement in illegal international adoptions of indigenous children during the nation’s civil war period. The independent experts, appointed by the UN to advise on human rights matters, specifically reference Porras’s seven-month tenure in 1982 as director of Hogar Temporal Elisa Martínez children’s home, where she simultaneously served as legal guardian for the minors.

    The allegations center on at least 80 indigenous children who were reportedly sent abroad for adoption through illicit means during Guatemala’s 36-year internal conflict (1960-1996). The experts characterize these adoptions as occurring ‘following their capture and enforced disappearance’ and detail how such illegal adoptions typically involved fraudulent declarations of adoptability, document falsification, coercion of biological parents, and improper financial gain for intermediaries.

    Porras has vehemently denied all accusations, labeling them ‘baseless, factually unfounded and completely malicious’ while suggesting political motivations behind the timing of these allegations. Her office released a statement through AFP news agency rejecting the claims entirely.

    The UN experts expressed particular concern that no thorough, independent investigation has examined the alleged involvement of state authorities in these processes. This development emerges during a sensitive political moment for Porras, who recently failed to secure enough support from Guatemala’s Bar Association for a seat on the Constitutional Court and is simultaneously seeking an unprecedented third term as attorney general.

    Porras’s leadership has previously drawn international criticism, including US sanctions imposed in 2022 over alleged corruption claims, which she continues to deny. Her office faced additional condemnation in 2024 for allegedly attempting to prevent anti-corruption candidate Bernardo Arévalo from assuming the presidency after his electoral victory.

  • Gold shopping in Dubai leads to gold Mercedes win for expat

    Gold shopping in Dubai leads to gold Mercedes win for expat

    A Dubai expatriate hailing from a modest Sri Lankan fishing community has experienced an extraordinary reversal of fortune after winning a gold Mercedes-Benz S-Class 500 through a shopping raffle. The life-changing prize came as part of Dubai Gold District’s ‘Shop & Win’ promotional campaign running from December 11 to February 8, where customers earned raffle entries with purchases exceeding Dh500 at participating jewelry and watch retailers.

    The winner, who had utilized his long-term savings to invest in gold at the District, expressed profound gratitude and astonishment at the unexpected turn of events. Having never envisioned luxury vehicle ownership even in his most ambitious dreams, he described the premium automobile as a transformative asset that would significantly alter his life trajectory.

    The campaign mechanism allocated one raffle entry for every Dh500 spent across Dubai’s premium gold and jewelry establishments, creating multiple opportunities for shoppers to participate while making planned purchases. The winner attributes his success to perseverance and philosophical patience, citing his personal mantra: ‘Keep going. Everything you need will come to you at the right time.’

    This remarkable story underscores Dubai’s reputation as a city where extraordinary opportunities can emerge from ordinary consumer activities, particularly within its renowned gold sector that continues to attract both investors and aspirational shoppers seeking value beyond their purchases.

  • Ramadan in UAE: Hotels raise iftar, suhoor rates in 2026 amid upgraded offerings

    Ramadan in UAE: Hotels raise iftar, suhoor rates in 2026 amid upgraded offerings

    The United Arab Emirates hospitality sector is witnessing a significant transformation in Ramadan services for 2026, with hotels implementing strategic price increases alongside substantially upgraded culinary and experiential offerings. Industry executives confirm that iftar and suhoor rates have risen across mid-range to luxury establishments, marking a return to pre-pandemic demand levels with earlier booking patterns emerging throughout the market.

    According to Ayman Ashor, General Manager of Al Bandar Rotana and Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana, the measured price adjustments reflect current market conditions and rising operational costs. “Any adjustment in rates is always matched with a richer experience,” Ashor emphasized. “This year, we have expanded our buffet selections, added more live cooking stations, and introduced new regional specialities alongside international favourites.”

    The market analysis reveals distinct trends between corporate and individual bookings. Corporate clients are demonstrating preference for banquet-style iftars designed for scale, particularly favoring venues offering flexibility and personalized settings for team gatherings. Meanwhile, individual bookings are increasingly experience-driven, with guests selecting venues based on ambiance, live music, standout culinary stations, and atmospheric settings.

    Northern Emirates are experiencing particularly strong recovery, with Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager for Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, reporting that corporate and group iftars have returned to pre-Covid levels. “Guests are not only paying for a meal; they are paying for a complete Ramadan experience—from the moment they arrive until the end of the evening,” Hamdani noted, adding that Ramadan décor budgets have doubled compared to 2025.

    A notable shift in consumer behavior involves younger guests showing increased preference for traditional ambience and cultural authenticity. Hotels are responding by creating dedicated Ramadan tents, outdoor venues for suhoor, and implementing extended late-night timings with lounge-style seating arrangements.

    In Abu Dhabi, Rosewood Managing Director Remus Palimaru described “considered pricing adjustments” rather than significant increases, emphasizing the market’s mindfulness of Ramadan’s spiritual significance. “Pricing strategies are taking into account quality, atmosphere, and service as part of the full Ramadan offering,” Palimaru stated, confirming that any increases are matched by expanded or elevated offerings.

    The overall market demonstrates robust recovery with booking patterns occurring significantly earlier than previous years, indicating strong consumer confidence and anticipation for premium Ramadan experiences throughout the UAE hospitality sector.

  • France upsets Norway to win the Olympic men’s biathlon relay for the first time

    France upsets Norway to win the Olympic men’s biathlon relay for the first time

    In a stunning reversal of fortune at the Winter Olympics, France achieved a historic victory in the men’s biathlon relay on Tuesday, overcoming last-place positioning to dethrone defending champions Norway by a razor-thin margin of 9.8 seconds. The French team of Fabien Claude, Emilien Jacquelin, Quentin Fillon Maillet, and anchor Eric Perrot completed their remarkable comeback on the snow-packed tracks of Anterselva, Italy, securing France’s first-ever Olympic gold in this discipline.

    The dramatic finale saw World Cup champion Eric Perrot maintain France’s narrow lead despite missing two shots in his final standing shoot, holding off Norway’s Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen in a heart-pounding finish. The victory served as redemption for France’s silver medal performance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where Christiansen had shot clean to defeat Fillon Maillet by 28 seconds.

    Sweden captured the bronze medal, finishing less than a minute ahead of Germany, while the United States team delivered an impressive performance to finish fifth after climbing from 16th position. The American squad, which has never won an Olympic biathlon medal, showed promise with Campbell Wright’s strong anchor leg bringing them from 11th to fifth place.

    The Norwegian team, consisting of Martin Uldal, Johan-Olav Botn, Sturla Holm Laegreid, and Christiansen, expressed disappointment at settling for silver after entering the competition as world champions and heavy favorites. “To get silver is almost like losing gold,” remarked Laegreid following the race.

    France’s victory marks their second biathlon gold of these Games, with Perrot and Fillon Maillet having previously won the mixed relay on February 8 alongside Lou Jeanmonnot and Julia Simon. The women’s relay is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

  • Apple March 4 ‘special experience’: iPhone 17e, M5 MacBook Pro and new iPads expected

    Apple March 4 ‘special experience’: iPhone 17e, M5 MacBook Pro and new iPads expected

    Apple has generated significant anticipation within the technology sector by distributing exclusive invitations for a cryptic ‘special Apple experience’ scheduled for March 4, 2026. The invitation-only gathering will occur simultaneously across three global hubs: New York, London, and Shanghai at 9:00 AM Eastern Time (6:00 PM UAE time), according to industry reports.

    The notably enigmatic announcement, distinguished from Apple’s conventional keynote presentations by its specific labeling as an ‘experience’ rather than an event, has ignited widespread conjecture among technology analysts and enthusiasts. The gathering’s absence from Apple’s official events calendar further amplifies the mystery surrounding the occasion.

    Industry observers and dedicated Apple communities are actively speculating about potential product revelations, with several significant launches reportedly under consideration. Foremost among these anticipations is the potential introduction of the iPhone 17e, envisioned as a more economically accessible variant within Apple’s flagship smartphone series. This strategic move could potentially strengthen Apple’s competitive positioning within the mid-range smartphone segment throughout 2026.

    Additionally, technology analysts project the possible debut of next-generation MacBook Pro models equipped with advanced M5 Pro and M5 Max processors. These chips are expected to deliver substantial performance enhancements compared to their M-series predecessors, potentially establishing new benchmarks for professional computing capabilities.

    The product refresh may extend to Apple’s tablet lineup, with rumors suggesting updates to both the entry-level iPad and the eighth-generation iPad Air. These revisions would likely incorporate design refinements and internal performance upgrades to maintain market competitiveness.

    The timing of Apple’s announcement creates an intriguing competitive dynamic within the technology industry, arriving just one week after Samsung’s scheduled Galaxy S26 series launch on February 25. This scheduling suggests potential strategic positioning within the ongoing competition between these technology giants.

    The invitation’s distinctive visual elements, featuring Apple’s logo rendered in a gradient of yellow, green, and blue, have prompted further speculation among dedicated Apple communities. Some enthusiasts interpret these colors as potential indicators of new MacBook color options, while others perceive them as symbolic of broader product portfolio updates.

    As the March 4 date approaches, industry watchers anticipate additional information leaks and rumors to emerge, providing further insight into what Apple has strategically planned for this carefully orchestrated global experience.