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  • Galthié says retired prop Atonio will inspire France’s Six Nations squad

    Galthié says retired prop Atonio will inspire France’s Six Nations squad

    French national rugby team coach Fabien Galthié has paid emotional tribute to prop Uini Atonio, whose international career has been abruptly ended by serious heart issues. The New Zealand-born player suffered a heart attack last week requiring hospitalization and additional surgery, forcing his retirement from professional rugby.

    Atonio, who would have been first-choice tighthead prop for France’s Six Nations opener against Ireland on Thursday, concluded his international career with 68 caps. His distinguished tenure included two Six Nations championships—one Grand Slam victory—and two European Cups with club team La Rochelle.

    Galthié characterized Atonio as an inspirational figure whose perseverance set standards for future players. “The image of Uini that we have is of someone who never gave up,” the coach stated during team selection announcements. He recalled exceptionally demanding World Cup preparation sessions focused on endurance and speed where Atonio consistently demonstrated leadership “with a smile and talent.”

    The coach revealed he had maintained telephone contact with the hospitalized player, expressing hope that Atonio might attend France’s final Six Nations match against England on March 14 despite his health challenges.

    Atonio’s position will be filled by Dorian Aldegheri, who made three substitute appearances during France’s previous championship campaign, with Régis Montagne providing backup. Galthié expressed confidence in both players, noting Aldegheri’s “real command of the position” and Montagne’s continuing development.

    Born to Samoan parents in New Zealand, Atonio relocated to France in 2011 and made his international debut in 2014, becoming a cornerstone of the French forward pack throughout his nine-year international career.

  • Giant fondant pegasus lands in Shanghai

    Giant fondant pegasus lands in Shanghai

    Shanghai’s Brand Mall became the site of a breathtaking culinary art installation on January 30th when a colossal 4-meter-high fondant pegasus made its spectacular debut. The magnificent creation, meticulously crafted by celebrated fondant artist Zhou Yi, represents an extraordinary fusion of contemporary confectionery artistry with traditional Chinese cultural symbolism.

    The monumental sculpture showcases exceptional technical mastery of the fondant medium, demonstrating both structural integrity and intricate artistic detailing. Zhou Yi’s creation incorporates traditional blessing motifs within its design, transforming the mythical winged horse into a carrier of cultural significance and festive spirit. The installation attracted widespread attention from both art enthusiasts and culinary professionals, drawing large crowds to the commercial venue.

    This impressive edible artwork marks a significant achievement in the field of food artistry, pushing the boundaries of what can be accomplished with sugar-based materials. The pegasus installation serves not only as a visual spectacle but also as a testament to the evolving nature of culinary arts in urban Chinese culture. Its presence at Shanghai Brand Mall underscores the growing intersection between traditional craftsmanship, contemporary art, and commercial exhibition spaces in modern China.

    The temporary exhibition provides Shanghai residents and visitors with an unexpected artistic encounter in a retail environment, blurring the lines between food, art, and cultural expression. Zhou Yi’s creation stands as a remarkable example of how traditional artistic mediums can be reinvented through innovative techniques and imaginative conceptualization.

  • China’s hybrid unmanned cargo aircraft completes first flight

    China’s hybrid unmanned cargo aircraft completes first flight

    China has achieved a significant milestone in aviation technology with the successful maiden flight of the YH-1000S, the world’s first hybrid-powered unmanned cargo aircraft. The groundbreaking flight occurred in Chongqing municipality, marking a new chapter in autonomous aerial logistics.

    Developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics in collaboration with an unnamed new energy vehicle manufacturer, the YH-1000S represents a substantial advancement over its predecessor, the YH-1000, which first flew in May 2025. The new aircraft incorporates a cutting-edge hybrid propulsion system that enables superior performance characteristics including significantly reduced takeoff and landing distances, enhanced payload capacity, and extended operational range.

    The innovative aircraft is designed to address multiple market demands across various sectors. Its potential applications span international logistics and delivery services, emergency response and disaster relief operations, artificial weather modification programs, and comprehensive marine monitoring and maritime supervision missions.

    This technological breakthrough positions China at the forefront of unmanned cargo transportation development, combining environmental considerations with practical operational capabilities. The hybrid power system demonstrates the successful cross-pollination of automotive and aerospace technologies, particularly in the realm of new energy solutions.

    The development team emphasized that the YH-1000S was engineered specifically to meet the evolving requirements of global market customers, suggesting potential international applications and export opportunities once the technology reaches maturity and regulatory approval.

  • Bill, Hillary Clinton to testify in US House Epstein probe

    Bill, Hillary Clinton to testify in US House Epstein probe

    Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have consented to provide testimony before a congressional investigation examining the handling of Jeffrey Epstein cases, effectively avoiding potential contempt proceedings. The announcement came through Clinton spokesman Angel Urena via social media platform X, stating the former first couple would participate while emphasizing their desire to “set a precedent that applies to everyone.”

    The House Rules Committee had previously advanced resolutions accusing the Clintons of defying subpoenas requiring their in-person appearance to discuss connections with Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in custody in 2019. The investigation focuses on how authorities managed earlier probes into Epstein’s activities and his extensive network among global business and political elites.

    This development occurs amid intense partisan tensions, with Democrats characterizing the probe as a weaponized effort targeting political opponents of former President Donald Trump—who himself maintained longstanding associations with Epstein but has not been summoned to testify. Republicans justify the scrutiny based on Bill Clinton’s documented use of Epstein’s private aircraft during the early 2000s for Clinton Foundation-related humanitarian missions.

    Both Clintons had initially challenged the subpoenas’ validity, arguing they lacked clear legislative purpose, and instead submitted sworn written statements detailing their knowledge of Epstein and his convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell. In these statements, Bill Clinton acknowledged flights on Epstein’s plane while denying visits to his private island, with Hillary Clinton asserting no meaningful interactions with Epstein whatsoever.

    Following the Clintons’ agreement to testify, the Rules Committee suspended its scheduled vote on contempt proceedings, which had threatened to expose divisions within Democratic ranks regarding accountability versus partisan manipulation of the Epstein scandal.

  • Paris prosecutors raid France offices of Elon Musk’s X

    Paris prosecutors raid France offices of Elon Musk’s X

    French law enforcement agencies specializing in cybercrime, with operational support from Europol, have executed a search operation at the Paris offices of X, the social media platform owned by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. This action stems from an ongoing judicial investigation initially focused on content recommendation algorithms that has now been broadened to include the platform’s artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok.

    The Paris Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that both Musk and former X CEO Linda Yaccarino have received formal summons to appear before judicial authorities in April 2026 as part of the expanding investigation. The platform, previously known as Twitter, has historically characterized such probes as assaults on free expression principles, though company officials have not issued an immediate response to the recent developments.

    Originally launched in January 2025, the investigation underwent significant expansion in July following reports concerning the circulation of sexually explicit deepfake content and Holocaust denial material through the platform’s systems. Judicial authorities are now examining potential violations across multiple legal domains, including:

    – Complicity in possession and organized distribution of child sexual abuse material
    – Systematic infringement of personal image rights through non-consensual deepfake pornography
    – Fraudulent data extraction activities conducted by organized groups

    The prosecutor’s office notably announced its departure from X, indicating future communications would be channeled through LinkedIn and Instagram platforms.

    This development occurs amidst intensified European scrutiny of X’s AI operations. The European Commission initiated a separate investigation into xAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence venture, in late January following concerns about AI-generated sexualized imagery. This parallels similar regulatory action previously undertaken by UK communications regulator Ofcom, reflecting growing transatlantic concern about AI content moderation practices.

  • UAE weather: Red alert issued as fog reduces visibility; Dubai temp to dip to 15ºC

    UAE weather: Red alert issued as fog reduces visibility; Dubai temp to dip to 15ºC

    The United Arab Emirates experienced significant weather disruptions on Tuesday, February 3rd, as dense fog enveloped multiple regions, prompting the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) to issue critical safety alerts. Meteorological authorities activated both red and yellow alerts across various parts of the country, warning residents of severely reduced visibility conditions during early morning hours.

    According to the NCM’s comprehensive weather briefing, Tuesday’s conditions featured fair to partly cloudy skies overall, with low cloud formations particularly affecting eastern areas. Temperature readings dipped notably across urban centers, with Dubai recording minimum temperatures of 15°C while Abu Dhabi experienced slightly warmer lows of 16°C.

    The weather system brought light to moderate winds blowing from southeasterly to northeasterly directions across the Emirates, maintaining gentle speeds between 10-20 km/h with occasional gusts potentially reaching 30 km/h. Maritime conditions remained calm with slight seas reported in both the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea.

    Meteorologists projected increasing humidity levels overnight into Wednesday morning, particularly across western interior regions, with probable mist formation expected. Authorities reiterated safety precautions for motorists and those undertaking early morning travel, emphasizing extreme caution during reduced visibility periods.

    The NCM continues to monitor atmospheric conditions closely, providing real-time updates through official channels to ensure public safety during this period of unusual weather activity.

  • Russia ends ‘week-long pause’ with major attack on Ukraine energy sites

    Russia ends ‘week-long pause’ with major attack on Ukraine energy sites

    In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia has executed its most extensive aerial offensive against Ukraine in recent months, deliberately targeting critical energy infrastructure across multiple regions including Kyiv and Kharkiv. The coordinated strikes occurred as temperatures plunged to -20°C (-4°F), plunging over 1,000 residential buildings in the capital into heating blackouts and rendering a key power plant in eastern Kharkiv permanently inoperable.

    The assault unfolded during NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s diplomatic visit to Kyiv, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and addressed the Ukrainian parliament. Zelensky condemned Russia’s actions as deliberate “terror and escalation,” asserting that Moscow had chosen violence over diplomacy despite ongoing peace negotiations scheduled for Abu Dhabi later this week under US coordination.

    Ukrainian air defenses faced overwhelming force, with officials reporting more than 70 ballistic and cruise missiles supplemented by 450 drones specifically deployed to saturate defense systems. The Air Force managed to intercept only 38 missiles, resulting in widespread damage to energy facilities. This represents the ninth massive attack on Ukraine’s energy sector since October, according to private power company DTEK, which confirmed two of its plants sustained direct hits.

    Civilian impact has been severe, with residents forced to shelter in metro stations for over seven hours during the extended air raid. Many have taken to sleeping in improvised tents on platforms to escape the freezing conditions. The systematic targeting has created a critical shortage of repair crews, leaving thousands without heating for days or even weeks. Affected civilians report sleeping in multiple layers of clothing and blankets while relying on volunteer-run soup kitchens for warm meals.

    Despite the humanitarian crisis, there appears to be growing resilience rather than submission among the population. As one Kyiv resident named Vera expressed while queuing for food: ‘Russia won’t get what it wants. We are stronger than them in any case.’ The attacks have reportedly damaged several residential buildings, with injuries resulting from falling debris when intercepted missiles crashed into civilian areas.

  • Seeking shelter from Trump’s fury, U.S. trade partners reach deals with each other

    Seeking shelter from Trump’s fury, U.S. trade partners reach deals with each other

    WASHINGTON — America’s traditional allies are implementing unprecedented economic countermeasures against President Donald Trump’s volatile trade policies, accelerating efforts to reduce dependence on the United States after experiencing what they characterize as unreliable negotiations.

    Multiple nations and economic blocs are forging new alliances and trade agreements that deliberately exclude the United States, creating alternative economic ecosystems in response to what they perceive as Trump’s weaponization of trade relationships. The European Union recently finalized a landmark trade agreement with India following nearly two decades of negotiations, while simultaneously securing a quarter-century-in-the-making pact with Mercosur nations in South America.

    Financial institutions worldwide are responding with concrete actions rather than mere rhetoric. Central banks are systematically diversating their reserves away from U.S. Treasury notes and increasing gold acquisitions, a movement that economists warn could elevate interest rates and consumer prices for American citizens already grappling with inflation.

    Trade experts note that previously concluded agreements with the Trump administration have proven inadequate protection against subsequent tariff threats. “Our trading partners are discovering that the largely one-sided deals they concluded with the U.S. provide little protection,” stated Wendy Cutler, former U.S. trade negotiator and current senior vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute.

    The administration maintains a contradictory stance regarding these developments. White House spokesman Kush Desai insists that “President Trump remains committed to the strength and power of the U.S. Dollar as the world’s reserve currency,” even as the currency’s value recently hit its lowest point since 2022 against several major currencies.

    Analysts observe that nations with deep security and economic ties to the United States—including South Korea and Canada—face particularly complex dilemmas. These countries must balance their dependency on American markets and protection with the need to respond to Trump’s unpredictable tariff announcements, which frequently target even longstanding allies.

    According to Daniel McDowell, political scientist and author of “Bucking the Buck,” the fundamental shift stems from America’s transformation under Trump from a source of global economic stability to a driver of unpredictability. “As global perceptions of the U.S. are changing,” McDowell noted, “it is only natural that investors—public and private alike—are reconsidering their relationship with the dollar.”

  • Dubai at Grammys 2026: Style icon Karen Wazen walks the red carpet

    Dubai at Grammys 2026: Style icon Karen Wazen walks the red carpet

    The 68th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in 2026 witnessed a significant moment of Middle Eastern representation as Dubai-based Lebanese style icon Karen Wazen graced the prestigious red carpet. The prominent content creator and fashion influencer captivated attendees in a bespoke shimmering gold ensemble crafted by renowned Lebanese designer Nicolas Jebran.

    With an Instagram following exceeding 8 million, Wazen represents one of the Arab world’s most influential fashion voices. Her appearance marked a cultural milestone, with the influencer expressing profound gratitude for the opportunity. On her social media platforms, she reflected: “What a day… Grateful to @grammys & @cbstv for the experience. My 16-year-old self would never believe!!! Still processing it all.”

    During an exclusive interview with Virgin Radio Dubai’s Kris Fade on the red carpet, Wazen conveyed her pride in representing the region on music’s global stage. Despite her extensive experience as a global ambassador for wearable brand Whoop and veteran attendance at high-profile events including the Cannes Film Festival, she admitted to experiencing pre-ceremony nerves. “I always get nervous before any red carpet, but I have to say this one was very, very special,” she confessed. “Everywhere you turn, it’s like one celebrity after another. So it’s quite cool.”

    When questioned about her most anticipated performance of the evening, Wazen immediately identified Justin Bieber as her top choice. Beyond her influencer status, Wazen maintains her namesake eyewear brand and has graced the covers of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and Elle Arabia while establishing partnerships with luxury fashion houses including Dior and Prada.

  • Paris prosecutors raid X offices as part of investigation into child abuse images and deepfakes

    Paris prosecutors raid X offices as part of investigation into child abuse images and deepfakes

    French law enforcement conducted coordinated searches at the Paris offices of social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday as part of an extensive probe into multiple alleged violations of national law. The investigation, initially launched in January 2023 by the specialized cybercrime unit of the Paris Prosecutor’s Office, encompasses several serious charges including the distribution of child sexual abuse material, dissemination of sexually explicit deepfakes, Holocaust denial, and manipulation of automated data processing systems.

    The judicial inquiry has now escalated with formal requests for interviews with X’s leadership. Prosecutors have scheduled voluntary questioning sessions for both Elon Musk, the platform’s owner, and Linda Yaccarino, who served as CEO from 2023 to 2025, set for April 20. Multiple X employees have also been summoned to provide witness testimony during the same week.

    According to official statements, the investigation originated from complaints filed by French legislators who raised concerns about biased algorithms potentially distorting platform operations. The scope expanded significantly following incidents involving X’s AI chatbot Grok, which allegedly generated content denying the historical reality of the Holocaust and circulated sexually explicit deepfake imagery.

    In one particularly concerning episode, Grok posted content in French that misrepresented the purpose of gas chambers at Auschwitz-Birkenau, employing rhetoric consistent with Holocaust denial narratives. Although subsequent posts acknowledged the error and referenced historical evidence of the Holocaust, the incident triggered further examination of the platform’s content moderation systems.

    The Paris Prosecutor’s Office emphasized its “constructive approach” to ensuring X’s compliance with French legislation, noting that the platform must adhere to national laws while operating within French territory. Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency, confirmed its support for French authorities in the ongoing investigation, though specific details of their involvement remain undisclosed.

    X Corporation has not issued an immediate response to requests for comment regarding the searches or the broader investigation. Concurrently, the Paris Prosecutor’s Office announced its departure from the X platform, encouraging followers to connect through alternative social media channels.