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  • US bombs Venezuela and captures Maduro, according to Trump

    US bombs Venezuela and captures Maduro, according to Trump

    In a stunning escalation of geopolitical tensions, the United States has conducted a large-scale military operation against Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The pre-dawn offensive targeted key military installations in Caracas, including Fort Tiuna—the nation’s largest military complex—and Carlota airbase, with additional strikes reported in the port city of La Guaira.

    Former President Donald Trump announced the operation’s success via Truth Social, declaring that Maduro had been ‘flown out of the country’ to face American justice. U.S. officials, including Attorney General Pamela Bondi, confirmed that the Venezuelan leader would stand trial on drug trafficking and terrorism charges in United States courts.

    The Venezuelan government condemned the action as ‘extremely serious military aggression,’ with Vice President Delcy Rodriguez demanding proof of life for Maduro and calling for an emergency UN Security Council session. Russia, a key Venezuelan ally, joined in condemning the operation and requested immediate clarification regarding Maduro’s status.

    International reactions varied significantly, with Iran and Cuba joining Venezuela in condemnation, while Spain offered mediation services. Colombia’s leftist president announced troop deployments to the Venezuelan border following the attacks.

    The operation represents the culmination of months of escalating tensions between the two nations, during which Trump deployed naval assets to the Caribbean and imposed severe economic sanctions. The U.S. administration has consistently accused Maduro of leading a narcoterrorist state and orchestrating fraudulent elections.

    Residents of Caracas reported hearing explosions and aircraft for nearly an hour, with many civilians taking shelter or preparing emergency supplies. No official casualty figures have been released following the strikes.

  • ‘It’s not life or death’: Alex de Minaur not panicking after shock loss as worrying sign exposed two weeks out from the Australian Open

    ‘It’s not life or death’: Alex de Minaur not panicking after shock loss as worrying sign exposed two weeks out from the Australian Open

    Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur has commenced his 2026 campaign with a challenging start, succumbing to a straight-sets defeat against Norway’s Casper Ruud at the United Cup in Sydney. The world No. 7, playing before a fervent home crowd at Ken Rosewall Arena, fell 6-3, 6-3 in a match dominated by his opponent’s formidable serving and his own uncharacteristic errors.

    De Minaur’s performance was notably hampered by a significant serving struggle, accumulating eight double faults throughout the contest. Five of these occurred within his initial two service games, immediately placing him on the defensive. Ruud, currently ranked world No. 12, capitalized ruthlessly on these opportunities, consistently delivering powerful first serves to extinguish any potential break points from the Australian.

    In his post-match analysis, de Minaur adopted a pragmatic perspective, attributing the loss primarily to Ruud’s superior execution. “I think Casper played a really good match today from the beginning to the end,” he stated. “I had some chances with break points, but he served really well throughout the whole match and didn’t really give me too many chances or opportunities. It was a well-deserved win for him.”

    The Australian reflected on his serving difficulties, acknowledging the anomaly of such a performance. “It’s not really part of my DNA to throw in so many double faults,” de Minaur remarked, suggesting that adjusting to the heavier night conditions played a role. Despite the setback just two weeks before the Australian Open, the athlete remains unconcerned, drawing confidence from past seasons where early losses were followed by swift recoveries. He emphasized a forward-looking attitude, concluding, “The points didn’t go my side today, but we move on and look forward to the next match.”

  • Look: Thick fog spreads across Dubai as red alert issued; NCM shares safety guidelines

    Look: Thick fog spreads across Dubai as red alert issued; NCM shares safety guidelines

    The United Arab Emirates experienced severe fog conditions on January 3, 2026, prompting meteorological authorities to issue critical safety alerts. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) activated yellow and red fog warnings from midnight until 10:00 AM across multiple regions, with particularly dense formations reported in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

    In response to the hazardous driving conditions characterized by dramatically reduced visibility, Abu Dhabi Police implemented temporary speed restrictions on Maktoum Bin Rashid Road, reducing the maximum permitted speed from 100 km/h to 80 km/h. The precautionary measure aimed to enhance road safety during the challenging weather phenomenon.

    The NCM disseminated comprehensive safety protocols for motorists navigating the fog-affected areas. Key recommendations included strict adherence to posted speed limits, maintaining increased following distances between vehicles, refraining from using hazard lights while in motion, and remaining within designated travel lanes. Authorities emphasized the importance of obtaining weather information exclusively through official channels and discouraged the circulation of unverified reports.

    Meteorological data indicated temperature ranges of 15-24°C for Abu Dhabi and 13-24°C for Dubai during the fog event. The phenomenon created surreal visual conditions where streetlights diffused through the thick mist and vehicles emerged suddenly from the obscuring fog bank, necessitating extreme caution from all road users.

    This weather event followed similar fog conditions reported on January 2, indicating a pattern of reduced visibility during early morning hours in the winter season. The NCM continues to monitor atmospheric conditions and provide timely updates to ensure public safety.

  • Craig the beer-ambassador elephant dies aged 54

    Craig the beer-ambassador elephant dies aged 54

    Kenya’s conservation community mourns the loss of Craig, one of Africa’s most magnificent elephant icons who passed away peacefully at Amboseli National Park on Saturday. The legendary bull elephant, renowned for his extraordinary tusks and remarkably calm demeanor, reached the impressive age of 54 before succumbing to natural causes.

    Conservationists from the Amboseli Trust for Elephants confirmed the gentle giant’s passing, noting that Craig had recently celebrated his 54th birthday. The organization’s farewell tribute highlighted his long, productive life and likely legacy as father to numerous calves within the Amboseli ecosystem.

    Craig belonged to an exceptionally rare class of pachyderms known as ‘super tuskers’—bull elephants whose tusks each exceed 45 kilograms (100 pounds) in weight. Wildlife experts estimate fewer than a handful of these magnificent specimens remain across the African continent today, making Craig’s presence a living monument to Africa’s natural heritage.

    Beyond his conservation significance, Craig achieved celebrity status as a major tourist attraction in the park bordering Tanzania. His fame transcended wildlife circles when he was named brand ambassador for Kenya’s popular Tusker lager in 2021—a fitting tribute given the brand’s elephantine namesake.

    The Kenya Wildlife Service commemorated Craig as an icon of successful conservation efforts, noting his remarkably patient nature with visitors who frequently photographed and filmed him. Officials emphasized that his peaceful passing resulted from dedicated protection efforts that allowed him to live out his full natural lifespan.

    Craig’s legacy coincides with Kenya’s thriving tourism industry, which attracted over two million visitors last year seeking wildlife experiences in the country’s world-renowned national parks. The sector contributes significantly to Kenya’s economy, accounting for approximately 10% of the national GDP according to official statistics.

  • Police identify first four victims of Swiss ski resort fire

    Police identify first four victims of Swiss ski resort fire

    Swiss authorities have successfully identified the first four victims of the devastating New Year’s Eve fire that ravaged Le Constellation bar in the popular Crans-Montana ski resort. The deceased include two Swiss women aged 21 and 16, along with two Swiss men aged 18 and 16, whose remains have been returned to their grieving families following extensive forensic examination.

    Valais cantonal police confirmed that meticulous work by officers and the Institute of Forensic Medicine enabled these initial identifications, while efforts continue to identify the remaining victims of the tragedy that claimed 40 lives and left 119 injured. Many families now endure an agonizing wait for information about those still unaccounted for.

    Preliminary investigation findings indicate the blaze likely originated from sparklers on champagne bottles being carried excessively close to the ceiling. Swiss President Guy Parmelin has characterized the incident as “one of the worst tragedies” in the nation’s recent history.

    The establishment was particularly popular with younger visitors in the resort town where the legal drinking age is 16, explaining why many teenagers are among the casualties. Police have confirmed that 113 injured individuals have been identified, comprising 71 Swiss nationals, 14 French citizens, and 11 Italian nationals.

    While an Italian teenage golfer has been informally reported as the first named victim, both Swiss and Italian officials have yet to officially confirm this identification. Authorities have established a dedicated helpline (+41 848 112 117) for concerned families seeking information about the incident.

  • Teenager who studied in UK missing after Swiss bar fire

    Teenager who studied in UK missing after Swiss bar fire

    A British teenager who attended two Jewish schools in England is now among those missing following a catastrophic New Year’s fire at a Swiss alpine resort that claimed at least 40 lives and left 119 injured. Charlotte Niddam, previously a student at Immanuel College in Hertfordshire and the Jewish Free School (JFS) in northwest London, remains unaccounted for after flames engulfed Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana during early Thursday celebrations.

    Swiss prosecutors revealed preliminary investigations indicate sparklers on champagne bottles carried ‘too close to the ceiling’ likely ignited the basement blaze. The popular bar was crowded with Swiss nationals and international tourists ringing in the new year when the disaster struck.

    Both educational institutions Charlotte attended issued emotional statements. JFS described her as ‘loved by so many’ during her two-year enrollment, while Immanuel College shared her family’s request for prayers ‘during this extremely difficult time,’ adding ‘We are all praying for a miracle.’ Crans-Montana’s tourism website lists Charlotte as a holiday babysitter in the resort.

    Swiss President Guy Parmelin characterized the incident as ‘one of the worst tragedies’ in the nation’s history. Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud confirmed the criminal investigation will examine construction materials, fire safety protocols, and occupancy levels at the time of the incident.

    Authorities caution that victim identification may require ‘days if not weeks,’ with 113 injured persons already identified and six remaining unnamed. The international community continues to monitor developments as search operations progress.

  • More than 100 shelter overnight in Japan shrine due to heavy snow

    More than 100 shelter overnight in Japan shrine due to heavy snow

    More than 100 visitors found themselves unexpectedly stranded overnight at a historic mountain shrine in Japan’s Saitama prefecture after heavy snowfall rendered access roads impassable. Approximately 130 individuals, including motorists from roughly 50 vehicles, sought refuge within the halls and lobbies of Mitsumine Shrine on Friday evening when local authorities closed surrounding routes due to hazardous winter conditions.

    The Chichibu government confirmed all stranded visitors remained in good health despite the unforeseen circumstances. The incident occurred as Japan experiences a significant cold front that has deposited up to 80 centimeters of snow in some regions over the past 72 hours, according to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency.

    Local police reported the road closures near Mitsumine Shrine were implemented following multiple weather-related incidents, including vehicles slipping on icy surfaces. The area has experienced temperatures plunging to -15°C alongside approximately 4cm of fresh snowfall, creating particularly dangerous travel conditions.

    Perched at 1,110 meters above sea level in the mountains near Chichibu, Mitsumine Shrine represents one of Japan’s significant Shinto centers, dedicated to the divine couple Izanami and Izanagi who feature prominently in Japanese creation mythology. The shrine’s history traces back to the 1st Century when it was reportedly established by Prince Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, son of Emperor Keikō.

    Meteorological forecasts indicate the severe weather pattern will continue, with predictions of up to 40cm additional snowfall in some areas through Saturday. The incident highlights the challenges posed by Japan’s winter weather patterns even at popular cultural and religious sites.

  • UAE eateries phase out prohibited items as single-use plastic ban comes into force

    UAE eateries phase out prohibited items as single-use plastic ban comes into force

    Food establishments across the United Arab Emirates have proactively embraced sustainable alternatives ahead of the January 1, 2026 implementation of the second phase of the nation’s single-use plastic ban. Numerous restaurants and cafeterias began phasing out prohibited items months in advance, demonstrating widespread compliance with environmental regulations.

    Multiple food service providers informed Khaleej Times about their strategic transition planning, with some ceasing orders for single-use plastic products as early as November 2025 after depleting existing inventories. Sooq Al Shay cafeteria management explained their forward-thinking approach: “Anticipating the regulatory change, we deliberately avoided restocking foam cups, plastic utensils, and straws to prevent inventory obsolescence.”

    The industry-wide shift has seen traditional plastic replaced with paper-based drinking vessels, wooden cutlery, and reusable serving options for dine-in patrons. Takeaway services have adopted compliant food-grade containers, while plastic carrier bags have been substituted with sturdier, regulation-compliant alternatives.

    Al Faizeen cafeteria representative Sharique Khan acknowledged initial cost adjustments but noted positive customer reception: “Patrons have not only accepted but appreciated our early elimination of plastic usage.” The extended transition period allowed establishments to thoroughly adapt operations, train staff, and evaluate alternative suppliers without operational pressure.

    Desi Biryani in Sharjah exemplifies this transformation, having eliminated plastic from daily operations. Their delivery service now utilizes approved packaging solutions, with a restaurant representative noting: “We proactively transitioned to box-based packaging and eliminated plastic bags well ahead of the deadline.”

    Market dynamics have facilitated this shift, with suppliers increasingly offering sustainable alternatives as plastic demand declined. Customer adaptation has progressed remarkably, with Sharjah resident Syed Aamer observing: “The absence of plastic cutlery and bags has become normalized. Non-plastic packaging no longer feels unusual.”

    This comprehensive ban stems from 2022’s Ministerial Decision No. 380, designed to reduce pollution from disposable products while promoting sustainability and circular economic principles. The policy framework was further reinforced through an executive council resolution endorsed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, regulating single-use products throughout the emirate.

  • UAE residents urged to write, register their wills in the country; here’s why

    UAE residents urged to write, register their wills in the country; here’s why

    Legal authorities across the United Arab Emirates are issuing urgent recommendations for residents to formalize their wills following groundbreaking reforms to the nation’s Civil Transactions Law. The updated legislation, enacted this week, introduces substantial modifications to inheritance protocols that significantly impact expatriate communities.

    Estate planning specialists emphasize that comprehensive will documentation serves as critical protection for families confronting unexpected circumstances. Mohammad Marria, Chief Executive Officer of Just Wills Consultant, emphasized that properly executed wills extend beyond real estate to encompass financial accounts, valuable possessions, vehicles, investment portfolios, and—most significantly—the legal guardianship of minor children.

    Saim Khan, legal associate at BSA Law, detailed the practical advantages: “A formally registered will substantially decreases probate delays, mitigates asset freezing risks, prevents unintended default distributions, enables parental designation of guardians for minors, and facilitates streamlined execution across banking institutions, land departments, and judicial courts throughout the UAE.”

    Current inheritance regulations stipulate that non-Muslim expatriates dying without valid wills undergo equal estate division between surviving spouses and children under the UAE civil personal status framework. Without immediate family members, assets transfer to parents or siblings. Notably, recent legal amendments specify that financial assets belonging to heirless expatriates will be designated as charitable endowments under supervisory authority management.

    Legal experts highlight severe consequences of inadequate planning. Khan warned: “Without locally registered wills, UAE banking accounts—including jointly held accounts—typically face immediate freezing upon death pending court orders and liability clearance, a process often requiring months. Guardianship determinations for minor children then fall to judicial courts, potentially implementing interim arrangements contrary to parental preferences.”

    The UAE provides multiple registration avenues: the DIFC Wills Service Centre (serving primarily non-Muslims with common-law procedures), the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (onshore digital platform with nationwide validity), and the Dubai Courts’ notary system (offering cost-effective Arabic or bilingual documentation). Each system maintains distinct procedures, language requirements, and cost structures while delivering legally enforceable probate mechanisms.

    Expatriates are advised to explicitly define their will’s jurisdictional scope, typically limiting coverage to UAE-based assets, while incorporating non-revocation clauses to prevent conflicts with foreign testamentary documents. Muslim residents remain subject to Shariah law governance for estate distribution, requiring Sharia-compliant wills and potential lifetime structural planning.

    Legal professionals conclude that well-designed, locally registered wills representing current circumstances provide the most effective safeguard against administrative delays, asset freezes, and distribution uncertainties for UAE residents.

  • Ireland’s Micheál Martin will visit China in the first trip by an Irish leader in 14 years

    Ireland’s Micheál Martin will visit China in the first trip by an Irish leader in 14 years

    Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin commenced a significant five-day diplomatic mission to China on Sunday, marking the first official visit by an Irish leader to Beijing in over fourteen years. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that Martin will engage in high-level discussions with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji during his itinerary spanning both Beijing and Shanghai.

    This diplomatic engagement occurs against the backdrop of ongoing trade tensions between China and the European Union. In recent months, Beijing has implemented provisional tariffs reaching 42.7% on EU dairy products while initiating investigations into European brandy and pork imports. These measures represent counteractions to the EU’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

    Concurrently, China is hosting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for a separate four-day state visit beginning Sunday, marking the second bilateral meeting between Lee and Xi within two months. This diplomatic activity unfolds amid heightened regional tensions following Japan’s recent statements regarding potential military involvement in Taiwan-related scenarios.

    Last week, China conducted extensive military exercises around Taiwan, demonstrating its firm stance against what it perceives as separatist activities and external interference. President Lee reaffirmed South Korea’s adherence to the ‘One China’ policy regarding Taiwan in pre-visit remarks to Chinese state media.

    The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized that Martin’s visit presents opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation and enhance broader China-EU relations, signaling Beijing’s continued strategy of cultivating relationships with individual EU member states despite broader bloc tensions.