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  • Alleged mastermind among four arrested after Pakistan mosque blast

    Alleged mastermind among four arrested after Pakistan mosque blast

    Pakistani authorities have made significant breakthroughs in the investigation of Friday’s devastating suicide bombing that rocked the capital. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the apprehension of four individuals suspected of facilitating the attack that claimed 32 lives and left over 160 injured at a Shia mosque in Islamabad’s Tarlai area.

    Among those detained is an Afghan national identified as the alleged mastermind behind the assault. The operation to capture the suspects came at a cost—one counter-terrorism officer lost his life and three others sustained injuries during the raids.

    The Islamic State group has formally claimed responsibility for targeting the mosque during Friday prayers, when the building was filled with worshippers. This represents the most lethal attack to hit Pakistan’s capital in more than ten years.

    On Saturday, massive crowds gathered under tight security measures to mourn the victims. Funeral proceedings occurred with heightened military presence and police checkpoints throughout key areas of the city.

    The human toll was painfully evident as families grappled with their losses. Ashiq Hussain, who lost his 21-year-old nephew Mujtaba Ali, expressed his family’s devastation to Reuters, simply stating they were ‘broken.’

    The political response has been swift and multifaceted. While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed ‘deep grief’ and President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the targeting of innocent civilians as ‘a crime against humanity,’ the investigation has taken diplomatic turns. Minister Naqvi has accused India of funding the operation and providing targets—allegations firmly rejected by New Delhi as ‘baseless.’

    Further complicating regional dynamics, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif suggested Afghan involvement, prompting sharp rebuke from the Taliban government in Kabul, which described the accusations as ‘regrettable’ and lacking ‘credible evidence.’

    In response to the security breach, Naqvi has pledged substantial enhancements to Islamabad’s security apparatus, including the recruitment of thousands of new police officers and upgrades to the city’s smart security systems.

    The bombing concludes a week of severe violence across Pakistan, including coordinated attacks in Balochistan province that killed 58 civilians—operations claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) rebel group. The military reports having killed over 200 militants in response to these assaults.

  • Man critical after being hit by car

    Man critical after being hit by car

    A severe traffic incident has left a male pedestrian fighting for his life after being struck by a vehicle in County Louth during the early hours of Saturday morning. The collision transpired at approximately 3:00 AM local time along the N2 roadway near the area of Funshog, Collon.

    Emergency response teams, including An Garda Síochána (Irish police), were promptly dispatched to the location. The victim, a man reported to be in his 40s, received immediate medical attention at the scene before being transported to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. Due to the gravity of his injuries, he was later transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, where he remains in critical condition.

    The motorist involved, identified as a woman in her 20s, emerged from the incident physically unharmed. In the aftermath of the collision, Gardaí have initiated an investigation and are urging potential witnesses to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who was traveling in the vicinity around the time of the accident or who may have captured relevant dashcam footage.

  • Tourists stopped from seeing The Last Supper, while Olympic VIPs including Vance visit

    Tourists stopped from seeing The Last Supper, while Olympic VIPs including Vance visit

    Milan’s cultural landscape witnessed significant disruption during the Winter Olympics as ordinary tourists found themselves barred from viewing Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic ‘The Last Supper’ while VIP delegations received exclusive access. The masterpiece, housed within the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, became the center of an accessibility controversy that left international visitors frustrated and local residents inconvenienced.

    The closure, implemented from February 5th through the morning of February 8th, caught numerous tourists by surprise. Antonio Rodríguez, a Spanish visitor, expressed disappointment: ‘We didn’t know we would face this situation. With only a weekend in Milan, we’ve lost our only opportunity to experience this cultural treasure.’

    Unbeknownst to the public, high-profile political figures including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his family received special access to the artwork on Saturday. Multiple foreign delegations from China, Poland, Hungary, and Bulgaria also enjoyed privileged visits according to Angelo Crespi, director of Grande Brera, who described these arrangements as part of ‘responsible international relations.’

    The preferential treatment extended beyond museum access, with significant transportation disruptions affecting Milanese citizens. Fedeli Gioia, a local resident, reported: ‘The trams were changed without any notice. This whole area is blocked because someone is going to see Il Cenacolo? Where does that leave us citizens?’

    The 15-minute viewing sessions for ‘The Last Supper’ typically operate under strict conservation protocols, limiting groups to 40 visitors at a time. Leonardo’s innovative dry technique—diverging from traditional fresco methods—has made the artwork particularly vulnerable to environmental damage, necessitating rigorous climate control measures.

    The painting’s controversial history includes damage during Napoleon’s occupation when the refectory served as a stable, and severe bombing damage during World War II. More recently, its reinterpretation in the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony drew criticism from Catholic authorities for perceived mockery of Christian symbolism.

    As Japanese tourists photographed the church from behind police cordons and Filipino Catholic residents expressed disappointment over missed spiritual opportunities, the incident raised broader questions about cultural accessibility during major international events.

  • ‘Doctrine of domination’: Iran’s FM criticises Israel after nuclear talks with US

    ‘Doctrine of domination’: Iran’s FM criticises Israel after nuclear talks with US

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi launched a sharp critique against Israel during his address at the Al Jazeera Forum in Qatar on Saturday, condemning what he characterized as a “doctrine of domination” in regional security affairs. Speaking just one day after nuclear discussions with American officials, Araghchi asserted that this doctrine enables unchecked Israeli military expansion while demanding neighboring nations disarm.

    The senior diplomat articulated that Israel’s strategic objectives necessitate the systematic weakening of adjacent countries across multiple domains—military, technological, economic, and social. “Under this project Israel is free to expand its military arsenal without limits… Yet other countries are demanded to disarm. Others are pressured to reduce defensive capacity. Others are punished for scientific progress,” Araghchi stated before the international audience.

    Notably absent from his remarks was any direct reference to Friday’s negotiations in Muscat, where Araghchi led Iran’s delegation in indirect talks with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Both sides subsequently characterized the discussions positively, with US President Donald Trump describing them as “very good” and confirming mutual agreement to continue diplomatic engagement.

    These talks occurred against a complex backdrop of regional tensions. Last June witnessed the collapse of previous negotiations when Israel initiated an unprecedented bombing campaign against Iranian targets, triggering a twelve-day conflict that included Israeli strikes on military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilian areas. Iran responded with drone and missile attacks against Israeli positions and the largest US military installation in the Middle East, located in Qatar.

    The renewed diplomatic engagement follows recent Washington threats and aircraft carrier deployments to the region after Iran’s suppression of anti-government protests last month. The United States continues advocating for expanded negotiations addressing Iran’s ballistic missile program and support for regional militant groups—issues Israel strongly supports including in discussions. Tehran maintains its consistent position rejecting any expansion beyond nuclear matters.

  • Cortina’s curling darling Stefania Constantini is the focus of Italian fans in bid to advance

    Cortina’s curling darling Stefania Constantini is the focus of Italian fans in bid to advance

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO (AP) — Amidst four simultaneous curling matches at the Cortina stadium, all local attention remains intensely focused on defending gold medalist Stefania Constantini. The 26-year-old native, distinguished by her high ponytail, has become the center of an electrifying atmosphere as she battles for advancement in the competition.

    The arena resonates with overwhelming Italian support as fans chant “Italia, Italia, Italia!” with such fervor that they drown out contingents from top curling nations like the United States and Great Britain. Spectators rhythmically pound the wooden barristers, creating reverberations that echo throughout the venue. A subtle gesture from Constantini triggers explosive cheers from the passionate crowd.

    Constantini’s journey began in this picturesque Tyrolean town, where she trained on courts nestled between the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites. Her historic gold medal performance with partner Amos Mosaner at Beijing 2022 positioned these Games as her opportunity to establish Italian dominance in the sport. However, recent setbacks against Sweden on Saturday and Canada the previous day have placed the duo outside the top four standings, requiring flawless performance in upcoming matches to secure playoff qualification.

    “Today we struggled somewhat to adapt from yesterday’s games to today’s conditions,” Constantini acknowledged post-match. Mosaner concurred, stating, “We must reset, avoid previous errors, and deliver our optimal performance tonight to position ourselves favorably for tomorrow.”

    Before her Olympic triumph, Constantini maintained employment as a sales associate at The North Face store on Corso Italia, a position she held until just one month before the Beijing Games. Their success has sparked unprecedented interest in curling throughout Italy, particularly in Cortina, which stands as the nation’s historical cradle for the sport. Notably, Mayor Gianluca Lorenzi, a former national team member and son of Italian curling’s founding father, underscores the town’s deep connection to the game.

    Despite mounting pressure, both athletes maintain that the high-stakes environment enhances rather than hinders their performance. “The crowd support is special and genuinely uplifting during competition,” Constantini remarked.

    The team faces crucial matches against Norway later Saturday, with subsequent games against Czechia and Great Britain scheduled for Sunday. Italian supporter Carla Pelosin, who traveled from Noale with the national flag painted on her face, expressed confidence: “They appeared slightly nervous today, but we maintain full belief in their capabilities for the coming matches. My message would be simply to give their utmost effort—the Italian people trust and believe in them completely.”

  • Italy says railways hit by ‘serious sabotage’ as Winter Olympics begin

    Italy says railways hit by ‘serious sabotage’ as Winter Olympics begin

    A series of coordinated sabotage attacks targeted Italy’s critical railway infrastructure during the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games, causing massive travel disruptions across northern Italy. Authorities confirmed three separate incidents that they believe were deliberately timed to coincide with the international sporting event.

    The most significant incident occurred along the crucial Bologna-Venice corridor where arson damaged rail infrastructure, creating delays exceeding two-and-a-half hours for thousands of travelers. Subsequent police investigations uncovered severed electrical cables and a rudimentary explosive device planted near the tracks, suggesting a sophisticated sabotage operation.

    Near the Adriatic coastal city of Pesaro, assailants set fire to a critical track switch mechanism, while additional cable cutting was discovered in the Bologna region. As a major transportation hub connecting northern and southern Italy as well as east-west lines, Bologna’s disruption created ripple effects throughout the national rail network.

    Italian Transport Minister Matteo Salvini condemned the acts as ‘serious sabotage’ with striking similarities to attacks that targeted France’s high-speed rail network during the 2024 Paris Olympics. ‘There are similarities in action and timing to the French incident,’ Salvini told AFP, while maintaining that ‘these actions of unprecedented seriousness do not in any way tarnish Italy’s image in the world.’

    The state-owned high-speed railway serving Bologna was temporarily closed for security assessments but resumed normal operations by Saturday afternoon. Police authorities continue investigating with no individuals or groups having yet claimed responsibility for the coordinated attacks.

    The timing proved particularly disruptive as the Olympic Games opening ceremony took place Friday evening across multiple venues including Milan and Cortina, both accessible via rail connections from Venice. The widespread nature of events across Italy’s Alpine and Dolomite regions makes functional rail transportation essential for the Games’ operation.

  • Getting Ramadan-ready? Here are 7 spiritual items in high demand

    Getting Ramadan-ready? Here are 7 spiritual items in high demand

    As the UAE prepares for the anticipated commencement of Ramadan around February 19, 2026, retail markets in Dubai and Sharjah are witnessing significant increases in consumer demand for religious and spiritual products. Retailers report unprecedented early shopping activity as residents seek both traditional devotional items and modern technological solutions to enhance their spiritual practices during the holy month.

    Market observations reveal seven key products experiencing remarkable demand surges:

    Traditional tasbeeh beads remain the most sought-after item, with customers selecting from various materials including wood, stone, and crystal. Abdul Qadir of Blue Market in Al Ras noted that many purchasers express intentions to increase their daily zikr (remembrance of God) during Ramadan.

    Digital innovation has entered the spiritual sphere with electronic zikr rings gaining substantial popularity, particularly among younger demographics. Yousuf Salimi, an electronics retailer in Sabkha, highlighted the devices’ discretion and portability as key selling points for those seeking to maintain devotional practices throughout daily activities.

    Quranic literature sales have accelerated significantly, with customers purchasing new copies in Arabic, English, and Urdu translations. Majeed of Ashar Book Trading in Sharjah reported increased interest in simplified Quranic storybooks that make Islamic teachings more accessible. Retailers note many purchases are intended as gifts or donations to mosques and relatives.

    Prayer mat sales have expanded beyond personal use to include bulk purchases for charitable distribution. Saleem Khan from Sharjah’s Industrial Area 6 noted orders of 10-50 mats from donors seeking to facilitate prayers for others during Taraweeh and home worship.

    Traditional prayer attire including skullcaps, thobes, prayer abayas, and scarves are experiencing renewed interest as residents seek fresh garments for Ramadan observances. Ameen Kondarnath of a Rolla cloth trading shop observed that customers want to ‘feel fresh’ for enhanced spiritual engagement.

    Digital adhan clocks that provide prayer time reminders are seeing increased adoption, particularly among families seeking to maintain prayer schedules, especially for dawn (Fajr) and sunset (Maghrib) prayers.

    Date merchants report advanced orders for both consumption and community distribution during iftar meals. Abdul Jabbar of Al Jubail Market in Sharjah noted customers ordering cartons and smaller packets intended for distribution to relatives, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

    The comprehensive market activity demonstrates how spiritual preparation intertwines with commercial patterns as UAE residents combine traditional religious practices with modern convenience to enhance their Ramadan experience.

  • Speedskater Francesca Lollobrigida wins host Italy’s first gold medal of the Milan Cortina Olympics

    Speedskater Francesca Lollobrigida wins host Italy’s first gold medal of the Milan Cortina Olympics

    In a spectacular display of athletic prowess and national pride, Italian speedskater Francesca Lollobrigida secured host nation Italy’s inaugural gold medal at the Milan Cortina Games with a record-breaking performance in the women’s 3,000 meters event on Saturday. The veteran athlete achieved this milestone on her 35th birthday, delivering an unforgettable moment for the roaring home crowd that rose to their feet in celebration.

    Lollobrigida completed the race in an Olympic record time of 3 minutes, 54.28 seconds, finishing more than two seconds ahead of Norwegian contender Ragne Wiklund who claimed silver. Canadian skater Valerie Maltais rounded out the podium with a bronze medal performance.

    The victory holds particular significance as it represents not only Lollobrigida’s first Olympic gold but also marks the first time an Italian woman has triumphed in speedskating at the Winter Games. The accomplished athlete, who balances motherhood with elite competition as parent to a two-year-old son, previously earned two medals at the Beijing Games four years ago—silver in the 3,000 meters and bronze in the mass start event.

    Hailing from Frascati, a picturesque hill town near Rome renowned for its white wine production, Lollobrigida carries a legacy of Italian excellence—her great aunt was the legendary 1950s and 60s film star Gina Lollobrigida.

    The emotional weight of the moment was palpable throughout the competition. During pre-race introductions, Lollobrigida received thunderous applause from patriotic spectators, responding with an enthusiastic smile and dual-arm wave before placing her hands over her heart in gratitude. Though initially trailing behind Maltais at the first checkpoint, the Italian champion steadily gained momentum, seemingly propelled by the vocal support from her compatriots, and delivered a powerful final lap with her arms swinging rhythmically behind her.

    Lollobrigida’s record-shattering time surpassed the previous Olympic benchmark set by Irene Schouten at the 2022 Beijing Games by an impressive 2.5 seconds. As subsequent skaters took to the ice, the emotional champion frequently covered her eyes with her hands, unable to watch the remaining competition that would determine her final standing.

  • Italy’s heroic defense stops Scotland’s last-gasp charge for Six Nations win

    Italy’s heroic defense stops Scotland’s last-gasp charge for Six Nations win

    In a dramatic Six Nations showdown at Rome’s rain-drenched Stadio Olimpico, Italy secured a monumental 18-15 victory against Scotland on Saturday, showcasing exceptional defensive resilience in the closing moments. The match culminated in a heart-stopping finale as Scotland mounted a 30-phase offensive assault that ultimately collapsed under Italy’s determined last-line defense.

    The Italian squad demonstrated remarkable tactical maturity from the opening whistle, establishing an early 12-0 advantage before torrential downpours transformed the pitch into a challenging aquatic battlefield. Despite Scotland’s attempts to capitalize on the adverse conditions, Italy maintained composure under pressure.

    Captain Michele Lamaro epitomized the team’s spirit, declaring post-match: ‘Absolutely incredible. The final defensive sequence demonstrates our profound commitment to each other, this jersey, and our nation. This performance truly represents our identity.’

    Italy’s strategic brilliance manifested through two first-half tries that exposed Scotland’s reconfigured back-three defense. Wing Louis Lynagh and center Tommaso Menoncello executed perfectly coordinated attacks, with fly-half Paolo Garbisi contributing crucial kicks despite some missed opportunities.

    Scotland’s challenges multiplied through persistent lineout malfunctions, losing five throws throughout the contest. Discipline further undermined their efforts, with hooker Ewan Ashman’s high tackle and George Turner’s yellow card compounding their difficulties.

    The visitors displayed late resurgence with Jack Dempsey’s first-half try and George Horne’s second-half score, narrowing the deficit to three points with twelve minutes remaining. However, Italy’s impregnable defense in the final moments secured their seventeenth Six Nations victory and ninth against Scotland.

    This triumph positions Italy to potentially avoid the tournament’s wooden spoon for an unprecedented third consecutive year, while Scotland faces urgent reassessment before hosting England next weekend.

  • Sheikh Mohammed to crown winners of Dh1-million Hope Maker prize on February 15

    Sheikh Mohammed to crown winners of Dh1-million Hope Maker prize on February 15

    Dubai’s Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will personally crown the recipients of the sixth Hope Makers award in a grand ceremony scheduled for February 15. The Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE announced that this year’s edition has drawn an unprecedented participation of over 15,000 young men and women from across the Arab world, all vying for the prestigious Dh1-million prize.

    The Hope Makers initiative, launched under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), serves to identify and celebrate unsung heroes who have dedicated their resources to humanitarian causes and community service. Beyond financial support, the program amplifies their work through media platforms and provides crucial backing to expand the reach of their impactful projects.

    Sheikh Mohammed articulated the philosophy behind the award, stating, ‘Life has taught me that hope is a source of strength, while despair represents a loss of trust. The spirit of optimism is contagious—among individuals, within institutions, and between nations. Planting seeds of hope ranks among the greatest deeds, as they blossom into gardens of youth who believe in miracles and devote themselves to serving their communities.’

    Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of MBRGI, emphasized that the initiative reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to cultivate a culture of giving and optimism across the Arab region. Since its inception in 2017, the program has received more than 320,000 nominations, demonstrating the vast potential for positive change and the countless inspirational efforts deserving recognition. The initiative has significantly raised awareness about the transformative power of volunteering, both individually and institutionally, showcasing its capacity to improve lives and empower communities.