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  • US slashes proposed tariffs on Italian pasta imports

    US slashes proposed tariffs on Italian pasta imports

    The United States has significantly scaled back its threat to impose punitive tariffs exceeding 100% on imported Italian pasta, following constructive negotiations with producers. The Trump administration had initially proposed a staggering 91.74% tariff on 13 Italian pasta manufacturers, alleging they were selling products at “less than normal value” in a practice known as dumping. This would have compounded the existing 15% tariff on EU goods, potentially more than doubling pasta prices for American consumers.

    On Thursday, the Italian Foreign Ministry announced a major resolution, with tariffs now reduced to a range between 2.26% and 13.98% following demonstrated cooperation from Italian companies. The settlement averts what would have been a severe economic burden on US consumers and a diplomatic challenge for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who maintains one of Europe’s closer relationships with President Trump.

    The US Commerce Department confirmed in a statement that Italian pasta makers had “addressed many of Commerce’s concerns” following its preliminary determination. The department will continue engaging with interested parties before issuing a final determination. This decision reflects a pattern of the Trump administration initially proposing aggressive tariffs before subsequently moderating them, as seen recently with postponed furniture tariffs and exemptions for certain food imports including coffee and bananas.

    While economists consistently warn that protectionist tariffs ultimately increase consumer costs, this particular case involved a relatively small segment of total Italian pasta imports to the US. The resolution demonstrates how bilateral engagement can modify trade policy approaches even within the administration’s broader America First manufacturing agenda.

  • UAE: Why more women are choosing to ‘cycle-sync’ their workout

    UAE: Why more women are choosing to ‘cycle-sync’ their workout

    A transformative fitness approach is gaining momentum among women in the UAE, where athletes and wellness enthusiasts are increasingly synchronizing their training regimens with their menstrual cycles. This practice, known as ‘cycle-syncing,’ involves tailoring workout intensity, nutrition, and recovery strategies to the body’s natural hormonal fluctuations throughout the month.

    Extreme athlete Jade Palmer exemplifies this trend, having adopted cycle-syncing several years ago after recognizing the disconnect between her training efforts and her body’s responses. ‘I was hitting the work, but my body was giving me a different story,’ Palmer recounted. Her implementation of phase-specific training has yielded remarkable improvements: ‘Fewer crashes, more consistency, and much better performance when it mattered.’

    Palmer’s structured approach divides her cycle into four distinct phases: gentle exercise during menstruation, increasing intensity during the follicular phase, peak performance training at ovulation, and moderated activity with emphasis on recovery during the luteal phase.

    The medical community acknowledges the theoretical basis for this practice while noting limited clinical evidence. Dr. Bibiana Singh, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, explained: ‘Hormonal shifts do influence energy, mood, and metabolism, but strong scientific data proving that syncing workouts or diets to the cycle leads to major health benefits is lacking.’

    Despite the need for more research, practitioners report significant benefits. Dr. Cherine Bazzane, Family Medicine Consultant and Head of Integrative Wellness at Cosmosurge and NMC Healthcare, testified: ‘The change was immediate. My performance, motivation, strength, and recovery shifted noticeably.’ She particularly emphasized injury prevention, noting that respecting her body’s cyclical needs prevented recurring ankle problems.

    The movement faces ongoing challenges regarding awareness and acceptance in fitness communities. Dr. Bazzane observed that while understanding is growing, many trainers still operate from a ‘push through’ mentality rather than adapting to physiological cycles. The emerging consensus suggests that trainers who comprehend menstrual cycle dynamics can better support female athletes in optimizing performance and preventing injuries.

  • Veer Bal Diwas Bravery Awards celebrated at Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara Dubai

    Veer Bal Diwas Bravery Awards celebrated at Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara Dubai

    The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara in Dubai hosted its second annual Veer Bal Diwas Bravery Awards ceremony, celebrating 23 exceptional students for demonstrating remarkable courage, compassion, and community responsibility. The event transformed into a powerful showcase of youth empowerment as it honored real-life stories of resilience among children and adolescents.

    Distinguished guests included Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, who served as chief guest, alongside Goswami Sushil Ji Maharaj, National Convener of the Bharatiya Sarva Dharma Sansad. The program commenced with vibrant cultural performances by children, setting the stage for the awards presentation.

    Eight participating schools saw their students recognized for exemplary character, with eight recipients receiving comprehensive one-year scholarship packages covering school fees, complemented by commemorative medals and Certificates of Bravery. All other honorees received medals and certificates acknowledging their achievements.

    Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara Dubai, emphasized the contemporary relevance of the observance: “Veer Bal Diwis transcends historical remembrance—it actively instills essential values in our youth. The ceremony reinforces that courage, empathy, and moral integrity can manifest at any age.”

    The celebration culminated in a community gathering that powerfully emphasized principles of equality, inclusivity, and collective solidarity, creating an atmosphere of shared purpose and mutual respect among all attendees.

  • Asha’s launches ‘The Royal Hyderabadi Table’ — A limited-time regional showcase

    Asha’s launches ‘The Royal Hyderabadi Table’ — A limited-time regional showcase

    Award-winning Indian fine dining establishment Asha’s has launched an exclusive gastronomic experience titled ‘The Royal Hyderabadi Table,’ paying homage to Hyderabad’s illustrious culinary heritage. This limited-time regional showcase will be available across all Asha’s locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain until March 31, 2026.

    Drawing inspiration from the royal kitchens of the Nizams, the menu exemplifies the sophisticated culinary traditions that have defined Hyderabadi cuisine for centuries. The carefully curated selection emphasizes slow-cooking techniques, precise spice blending, and profound flavor development that characterize this storied food culture.

    Signature dishes include the iconic Hyderabadi haleem, meticulously slow-cooked to achieve its characteristic velvety texture; Hyderabad-style pressure cooker chicken pulao, engineered to preserve aromatic essence and tenderness; and regionally spiced Hyderabadi lamb chops, marinated and cooked to perfection for optimal flavor intensity and balance.

    This chef-led initiative represents a focused exploration of regional culinary narrative, celebrating Hyderabad’s distinct gastronomic identity while reinforcing Asha’s two-decade legacy of cultural and culinary connectivity throughout the Middle East. The limited-time offering provides diners with an authentic taste of royal Indian cuisine, showcasing the historical refinement and traditional cooking methods that have made Hyderabadi cuisine renowned worldwide.

  • Survivor describes how she lost sight of friend while escaping flames

    Survivor describes how she lost sight of friend while escaping flames

    A catastrophic fire has resulted in a devastating loss of life, with preliminary reports indicating dozens of fatalities and over one hundred individuals sustaining injuries. The scale of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a large-scale emergency response.

    In a firsthand account that underscores the chaos and terror of the event, a survivor has come forward to describe the frantic moments of her escape. Her testimony paints a vivid picture of the sheer panic that ensued as thick smoke and intense heat rapidly filled the area. Amidst the blinding conditions and the desperate scramble for safety, she described the heart-wrenching moment she became separated from a close friend. The disorienting environment, coupled with the overwhelming rush of evacuees, made it impossible to maintain contact, leaving her to flee the inferno alone, uncertain of her companion’s fate.

    This personal narrative brings a human face to the staggering statistics, highlighting the profound emotional and psychological trauma experienced by those who managed to survive the calamity. Rescue operations continue at the scene as authorities work tirelessly to account for all individuals and investigate the precise cause and origin of the fire, which remains under active investigation.

  • Defense ministry rebuffs criticism over drills around Taiwan

    Defense ministry rebuffs criticism over drills around Taiwan

    China’s Ministry of National Defense has firmly rejected international criticism of its recent military exercises around Taiwan, characterizing them as necessary measures to counter separatist activities and foreign interference. Defense spokesman Zhang Xiaogang stated that the ‘Justice Mission 2025’ drills conducted by the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command were designed to test integrated joint combat capabilities while demonstrating military readiness to preserve territorial integrity.

    The exercises, which drew concern from Western governments including the United States, Japan, Australia, and the European Union, were described by Zhang as ‘completely legitimate, necessary and beyond reproach.’ He emphasized that Taiwan constitutes an inalienable part of Chinese territory and that related matters remain exclusively internal affairs permitting no external intervention.

    Zhang identified ‘Taiwan independence’ separatism and its external supporters as the primary threats to regional stability, asserting that provocative actions crossing established red lines would inevitably trigger resolute countermeasures. While affirming China’s commitment to peaceful development, he clarified that peace would not be exploited as pretext to restrain legitimate responses to separatist challenges.

    The spokesman urged international actors to adhere to the one-China principle and cease support for pro-independence elements in Taiwan. He additionally called on Taiwanese residents to recognize the dangers posed by current leadership policies and prioritize safeguarding their security interests.

    The Ministry concluded that Chinese armed forces would maintain heightened combat readiness to defeat any independence movements, counter foreign interference, and protect national sovereignty through continued demonstration of operational capabilities.

  • Director of Swiss hospital describes the rush to treat the injured from Alpine resort bar fire

    Director of Swiss hospital describes the rush to treat the injured from Alpine resort bar fire

    SION, Switzerland — The regional hospital in this Alpine city found itself at the epicenter of a catastrophic medical emergency when dozens of severely burned young revelers arrived following a devastating fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

    Despite being accustomed to handling winter sports injuries, medical staff at Sion Hospital faced an unprecedented challenge as they received approximately 80 seriously injured patients within a mere three-hour window. The victims, predominantly teenagers and young adults with an average age of 20, presented complex burn injuries that required immediate and specialized care.

    Hospital General Director Eric Bonvin described the extraordinary response from medical personnel, many of whom abandoned their holiday celebrations to voluntarily assist overwhelmed colleagues. “Many people came spontaneously, even those who were on holiday or having a night out,” Bonvin noted, highlighting the dedication of staff who worked while uncertain whether their own relatives might be among the casualties.

    The medical complexities extended beyond visible burns, with many patients suffering from inhaled superheated air that caused internal airway burns—a particularly devastating injury pattern. Bonvin explained the diagnostic challenges: “Burns are not necessarily apparent initially because nerve endings are destroyed and feelings are lost. The person is primarily in a state of shock, and at those moments, every minute counts.

    The hospital, though lacking a specialized burn unit, mobilized all available resources, opening every surgical operating room and maximizing intensive care capacity. Despite these efforts, the facility quickly reached maximum occupancy, necessitating transfers to other medical centers. By Friday, approximately 30 critically injured patients remained under care at Sion Hospital.

    Bonvin tempered his sobering medical assessment with cautious optimism, noting that the youth of most victims could significantly enhance recovery prospects. However, he emphasized that those with severe burns face months of intensive treatment and a long, arduous rehabilitation process.

    The psychological impact on both victims and caregivers has been profound, with Bonvin acknowledging the trauma of treating young patients from a popular local establishment where many staff members likely knew attendees personally.

  • Delhi flights disrupted, as smog, dense fog lower AQI to ‘very poor’

    Delhi flights disrupted, as smog, dense fog lower AQI to ‘very poor’

    A severe combination of toxic smog and dense fog enveloped New Delhi on Friday, January 2nd, 2026, creating hazardous conditions that significantly disrupted air travel and daily life. The capital’s Indira Gandhi International Airport experienced substantial flight delays and cancellations as visibility dropped dramatically across the city.

    Airline IndiGo had proactively issued a travel advisory on January 1st, warning passengers of anticipated disruptions. The carrier preemptively canceled several early-morning flights to minimize passenger inconvenience. Travelers were strongly advised to verify their flight status via official channels before heading to the airport, with airline teams actively monitoring conditions and assisting affected customers.

    The environmental crisis was quantified by the Central Pollution Control Board, which recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 348 at approximately 8 a.m.—a reading that borders the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ classification. Monitoring stations throughout Delhi consistently reported AQI levels ranging from 219 to 348, indicating widespread dangerously poor air quality.

    Despite the challenging conditions, Republic Day preparations continued with security personnel and parade participants persevering through the low visibility at India Gate. The India Meteorological Department reported temperatures around 11°C alongside persistent dense fog, with forecasts suggesting improving conditions beginning Saturday. The combination of extreme pollution and cold wave conditions significantly disrupted morning routines for residents across multiple areas of the national capital.

  • Zelensky names spy chief to head presidential office

    Zelensky names spy chief to head presidential office

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has undertaken a significant leadership reshuffle by appointing military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as his new Chief of Staff. The decision comes just over a month after former aide Andriy Yermak resigned amidst a widening corruption scandal that has shaken the Ukrainian government.

    Zelensky announced the strategic appointment through social media, emphasizing Ukraine’s critical need for enhanced security focus during ongoing hostilities with Russia. The president published an official photograph showing his meeting with Budanov at the presidential office in Kyiv, signaling confidence in his new top advisor.

    Budanov, 39, previously headed Ukraine’s HUR military intelligence agency, where he directed numerous successful operations against Russian forces. His expertise in security matters and defense strategy positioned him as a natural successor during this period of heightened military tensions.

    Yermak’s November departure followed a raid on his Kyiv residence by anti-corruption authorities, though he has not been formally accused of wrongdoing. His exit represented a substantial political setback for Zelensky, particularly as Yermak had wielded considerable influence throughout Russia’s full-scale invasion and led Ukraine’s negotiation team in crucial talks with the United States.

    The leadership change occurs against the backdrop of a major corruption investigation involving alleged embezzlement of approximately $100 million in Ukraine’s energy sector. Anti-corruption agencies have uncovered an extensive scheme involving kickbacks and influence peddling within state-owned enterprises, including nuclear energy provider Enerhoatom.

    This scandal has weakened Zelensky’s domestic standing and complicated Ukraine’s diplomatic position during sensitive negotiations regarding a US-led peace proposal. European allies have supported Kyiv’s efforts to revise terms initially perceived as favoring Russia, while Russian officials have amplified corruption allegations to undermine Ukraine’s international credibility.

    Zelensky has instructed Budanov to immediately review and update key strategic documents concerning Ukraine’s defense foundations, reflecting the administration’s renewed commitment to security priorities amid ongoing conflict and internal challenges.

  • Pakistan sentences journalists, YouTubers and ex-military officers to life over inciting violence

    Pakistan sentences journalists, YouTubers and ex-military officers to life over inciting violence

    An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing seven individuals—including three prominent journalists, two YouTubers, and two retired military officers—to life imprisonment for their roles in instigating widespread violence during May 2023 riots. The convictions stem from coordinated efforts to spread hatred against state institutions following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on corruption charges.

    Presiding Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra conducted the trial in absentia, as all convicted individuals had previously fled Pakistan to avoid prosecution. The convicted parties include former editor Shaheen Sehbai, journalists Sabir Shakir and Moeed Pirzada, digital content creators Wajahat Saeed Khan and Haider Raza Mehdi, alongside retired army officers Adil Raja and Akbar Hussain.

    The court found that these individuals, known for their vocal support of Imran Khan, systematically incited violent demonstrations that targeted military installations and government property. The May 2023 unrest witnessed thousands of Khan’s supporters attacking strategic facilities, including the ransacking of a senior army officer’s residence and damaging the state-run Radio Pakistan building.

    Prosecutors established that the convicted parties exploited their media platforms to encourage mob violence after Khan repeatedly attributed his 2022 ouster to a conspiracy involving the United States and Pakistan’s military establishment—allegations denied by all parties involved.

    In response to the verdict, Sabir Shakir—formerly a prominent television host on ARY TV—denounced the ruling as “political victimization” during an interview with The Associated Press. Shakir revealed he had traveled to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage prior to the riots and subsequently sought political asylum in Britain, anticipating what he described as “fabricated cases” upon potential return to Pakistan.

    The court has granted a seven-day window for appeals while directing authorities to apprehend the convicted individuals should they return to Pakistan. This case unfolds against growing concerns from human rights organizations and journalist unions about shrinking freedom of expression in Pakistan, though the government maintains that media professionals must adhere to ethical standards and journalistic principles.