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  • ‘Land does not lie’: Sharjah Ruler cites 200,000-year-old tools as Faya joins Unesco list

    ‘Land does not lie’: Sharjah Ruler cites 200,000-year-old tools as Faya joins Unesco list

    SHARJAH – In a landmark ceremony at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, formally celebrated the inscription of the Faya archaeological site onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. The event marked international recognition of a location that has fundamentally altered scientific comprehension of early human migration patterns.

    The significance of Faya was underscored by the unveiling of a commemorative monument and the presentation of the official inscription certificate by Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Sheikh Dr. Sultan emphasized that this designation transcends regional importance, representing instead a profound contribution to humanity’s collective historical narrative.

    Central to Faya’s global value are the extraordinary discoveries made there, including exquisitely crafted stone tools dating back more than 200,000 years. These artifacts have effectively dismantled long-standing assumptions, providing compelling evidence that modern humans inhabited the Arabian Peninsula far earlier than previously documented. ‘The land spoke, and the land does not lie when it speaks through science,’ stated the Ruler, reflecting on the moment researchers realized they were confronting evidence that recalibrates the timeline of human settlement.

    Sheikh Dr. Sultan articulated Faya’s role as more than a transit corridor, establishing it as a crucial early homeland where human communities demonstrated remarkable adaptation to arid environments. The site offers a continuous record of human presence, ingenuity, and social organization over hundreds of millennia. He described Faya as ‘living pages of the book of humanity’ that illustrate how early societies transformed environmental challenges into knowledge, cooperation, and sustainable resource management.

    Beyond its archaeological importance, the Sharjah Ruler framed heritage preservation as an essential investment in cultural identity and future wisdom. He asserted that protecting sites like Faya safeguards accumulated human experience, providing ‘an open school for generations’ to understand their origins and contextualize their role in contemporary society. This philosophy aligns with Sharjah’s broader cultural vision, where heritage occupies a central position in understanding the region’s social foundations.

    The UNESCO recognition solidifies the United Arab Emirates’ growing role in global heritage conservation while highlighting how Arabian Peninsula discoveries are reshaping historical paradigms regarding civilization development through communication networks and adaptive strategies that remain relevant to modern challenges.

  • The US labels another Latin American cartel a terrorist group as the anti-drug war escalates

    The US labels another Latin American cartel a terrorist group as the anti-drug war escalates

    In a significant escalation of its counter-narcotics strategy, the Trump administration has formally designated Colombia’s Clan del Golfo as a foreign terrorist organization. This decisive move, announced by the U.S. State Department on Tuesday, targets one of Latin America’s most formidable drug cartels and represents a substantial shift in hemispheric policy approaches.

    The State Department characterization portrays Clan del Golfo as a ‘violent and powerful criminal organization’ that systematically employs cocaine trafficking revenues to finance its extensive operations. The designation specifically cites the group’s responsibility for ‘terrorist attacks against public officials, law enforcement and military personnel, and civilians in Colombia.’

    This development occurs against a backdrop of deteriorating U.S.-Colombian relations. The Trump administration recently returned Colombia to its list of nations failing to cooperate in anti-drug efforts—the first such designation in nearly three decades. This diplomatic reproach reflects both the documented surge in cocaine production and the increasingly strained relationship between the White House and Colombia’s leftist President Gustavo Petro.

    Further complicating bilateral relations, the United States imposed sanctions on President Petro in October based on allegations that his administration permitted drug cartels to ‘flourish’ and expand cocaine exports to American markets. Petro has vigorously contested these accusations, countering that Colombia has achieved record-level cocaine interceptions while avoiding lethal force against suspected smugglers.

    With approximately 9,000 combatants, Clan del Golfo (alternatively known by its Spanish acronym AGC) maintains a substantial presence across approximately one-third of Colombia’s municipalities according to the nation’s Human Rights Defender’s Office. The organization, which evolved from right-wing paramilitary units that previously combated Marxist guerrillas, stands accused of systematic extortion against local businesses and child recruitment practices.

    This terrorist designation introduces complex implications for ongoing peace negotiations between the Colombian government and AGC. Since September, both parties have engaged in discussions potentially leading to fighter disarmament in exchange for reduced sentences for leadership figures. A recent agreement signed in Qatar established designated zones where AGC members would receive protection from prosecution during peace talks, alongside suspensions of extradition proceedings against leaders.

    Elizabeth Dickinson, Colombia analyst at the International Crisis Group, suggests the designation may represent a symbolic message urging Colombian authorities to adopt a more stringent stance toward the armed group. Dickinson notes that ‘the tensions between Colombia and Washington are at historic levels,’ adding that the move could give ‘pause to Colombian authorities…going forward.’

    While the terrorist designation doesn’t automatically authorize military strikes, it significantly enhances the legal framework for potential offensive operations. The administration previously employed similar designations against Venezuelan criminal organizations Tren de Aragua and Cartel de los Soles before conducting maritime operations against alleged drug smuggling vessels—actions whose legality has been questioned by U.S. lawmakers.

    President Trump’s recent characterization of Petro as ‘fairly hostile’ to American interests, coupled with warnings of ‘big problems’ if policies don’t change, underscores the profound diplomatic challenges currently defining U.S.-Colombian relations.

  • Sunny Deol gets teary-eyed at his first public event after Dharmendra’s demise

    Sunny Deol gets teary-eyed at his first public event after Dharmendra’s demise

    Bollywood icon Sunny Deol made a poignant return to public life on November 24th during the highly anticipated teaser launch event for his upcoming war drama ‘Border 2’. This marked his first public appearance following the recent passing of his legendary father, veteran actor Dharmendra, whose November demise left the Indian film industry in mourning.

    The emotional weight of the moment became visibly apparent as Deol delivered his iconic dialogue with his trademark powerful voice, momentarily choking up during the performance. The actor’s dramatic entrance—arriving behind the wheel of a military jeep alongside co-stars Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty—immediately established the film’s intense atmosphere while symbolizing his resilient return to public life.

    Directed by Anurag Singh, ‘Border 2’ represents a significant expansion of the beloved franchise, introducing new ensemble cast members including Diljit Dosanjh, Medha Rana, Mona Singh, and Sonam Bajwa alongside returning star Deol. Produced by Bhushan Kumar alongside JP Dutta and Nidhi Dutta, the project continues the legacy of one of India’s most celebrated war film series.

    The production is strategically positioned for a major January 23, 2026 theatrical release, generating substantial anticipation among fans of the original film. The teaser launch event served both as a promotional milestone and an unintentional tribute to the enduring legacy of the Deol family in Indian cinema, capturing a raw moment of personal grief intersecting with professional commitment.

  • Jim Gavin ‘asked about rental dispute three times before selection’

    Jim Gavin ‘asked about rental dispute three times before selection’

    An internal investigation into Fianna Fáil’s presidential campaign has revealed significant oversights in candidate vetting procedures, culminating in Jim Gavin’s abrupt withdrawal from the race. The review, conducted by senior counsel and obtained by BBC News NI, discloses that party officials received three separate warnings about financial discrepancies involving Gavin and a former tenant prior to his nomination.

    The fact-finding mission established that both media inquiries and internal communications raised concerns about a tenant-related financial matter on September 5 and 8. Irish Independent journalists initially queried the party about the issue, while backbench TD John Lahart simultaneously alerted Deputy Leader Jack Chambers via text message regarding ‘a potential issue with a tenant who was a journalist and the return of a deposit.’

    When confronted with these allegations, Gavin consistently maintained no recollection of any tenant disputes. Despite these red flags, he secured the presidential nomination on September 9 with 41 votes against Billy Kelleher’s 29 in a closely contested selection process.

    The situation escalated on October 4 when the Irish Independent published detailed allegations that Gavin had retained mistakenly overpaid rent from 2009. Although the party initially issued statements claiming Gavin had no records of such disputes, the former tenant subsequently provided documentary evidence to Fianna Fáil headquarters.

    Confronted with substantiated evidence, Gavin acknowledged receiving questionable payments and convened emergency meetings with party leadership on October 5. Following urgent consultations with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister Chambers, Gavin concluded his campaign would create ’10 very difficult days’ for the party and withdrew that evening.

    The controversial campaign consumed approximately €350,000-€400,000 in party resources. The review further notes that many perceived Gavin as the Taoiseach’s preferred candidate, exacerbating internal tensions. Gavin did not participate in the investigation’s preparation, and the report explicitly states its conclusions don’t represent his perspective on events.

    As Fianna Fáil parliamentarians convene for a special meeting at Leinster House, Martin faces intensified scrutiny from backbenchers regarding leadership decisions and candidate validation processes. Despite his withdrawal, Gavin remained on the ballot and received 7.18% of first-preference votes in the October 24 presidential election.

  • Second doctor sentenced in Matthew Perry overdose death

    Second doctor sentenced in Matthew Perry overdose death

    A Southern California physician has been sentenced for his role in supplying ketamine that contributed to the death of “Friends” actor Matthew Perry. Dr. Mark Chavez received eight months of home confinement followed by three years of supervised release, becoming the second individual sentenced in connection with the high-profile case.

    The sentencing concludes one chapter in a multiyear federal investigation that exposed an underground pharmaceutical network operating within Hollywood’s elite circles. Chavez, based in San Diego, admitted to fraudulently obtaining ketamine through deceptive prescriptions from both his former clinic and a wholesale distributor, which he then sold to co-conspirator Dr. Salvador Plasencia.

    Court documents reveal a disturbing scheme where medical professionals exploited Perry’s known struggles with addiction for financial gain. Text messages between Chavez and Plasencia showed blatant disregard for ethical standards, with one message referring to Perry as “this moron” while discussing potential profits from his addiction.

    The investigation uncovered that Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, facilitated transactions totaling over $50,000 worth of ketamine in the weeks preceding the actor’s October 2023 death. Despite being legally prescribed ketamine for depression and anxiety treatment, Perry sought additional quantities beyond his medical allocation, ultimately connecting him to this illicit supply chain.

    Forensic analysis determined that acute ketamine intoxication caused Perry’s death, with toxicology reports showing dangerously elevated levels of the anesthetic in his system. The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about prescription drug abuse and the ethical responsibilities of medical professionals.

    Three additional defendants—including Perry’s assistant, a man named Erik Fleming, and British-American dealer Jasveen Sangha (known as the “Ketamine Queen”)—await sentencing in coming months. Chavez avoided a potential decade-long prison sentence through his plea agreement, which included surrendering his medical license and passport.

  • Bondi beach mass shooting: What we know about the father-son gunmen

    Bondi beach mass shooting: What we know about the father-son gunmen

    Australian authorities have initiated a comprehensive nationwide investigation into Sunday’s devastating mass shooting at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration, which resulted in 15 fatalities and 42 injuries. The attack, Australia’s deadliest firearm incident in nearly thirty years, has prompted serious national security evaluations and international investigative cooperation.

    The alleged perpetrators have been identified as Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, according to widespread media reports. Sajid Akram, originally from Hyderabad, India, emigrated to Australia in November 1998. He held Indian citizenship at the time of the attack, while his Australia-born children possessed Australian citizenship. Indian police officials confirmed that Akram maintained minimal contact with his Hyderabad relatives over the past 27 years, visiting only six times primarily for property matters.

    A significant development emerged from Philippine immigration authorities, revealing both suspects spent nearly all of November in the Philippines before returning to Australia just weeks before the attack. Australian police are actively investigating the purpose and activities of their Philippines visit.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the attack appears motivated by extremist ideology targeting Jewish communities, with authorities discovering improvised explosive devices and homemade flags associated with Daesh in a vehicle registered to Naveed Akram. Intelligence agencies had previously noted Naveed in 2019 but didn’t classify him as an imminent threat, raising critical questions about preventive measures.

    The tactical execution involved both attackers firing long-barrelled weapons across the beach and adjacent park for approximately ten minutes before police intervention. Sajid Akram was fatally shot at the scene, while Naveed remains comatose under police guard. Investigation revealed Sajid legally held a firearms license since 2015 and owned six registered weapons.

    The international dimension continues to develop with Indian authorities emphasizing the radicalization appears unrelated to India or Telangana region, while Pakistani media reported unrelated individuals facing mistaken identity issues due to name similarities.

  • University hall symbol of China-Bangladesh cooperation: Ambassador Yao

    University hall symbol of China-Bangladesh cooperation: Ambassador Yao

    In a significant demonstration of bilateral cooperation, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and University of Dhaka Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan conducted a joint inspection of the proposed China-Bangladesh Friendship Residential Hall on December 15. The diplomatic and academic leaders were accompanied by a specialized team of Chinese experts during their assessment of the upcoming facility.

    Ambassador Yao announced during a press briefing that construction is scheduled to commence within the first half of the coming year, marking a tangible advancement in the educational collaboration between the two nations. The residential complex represents a strategic investment in Bangladesh’s educational infrastructure with particular focus on supporting women’s access to higher education.

    Professor Khan expressed profound appreciation for China’s sustained support within Bangladesh’s education sector, characterizing the project as a foundational platform for enhanced cooperation in talent development, scientific research partnerships, and cross-cultural youth exchanges. He emphasized the hall’s role in perpetuating Sino-Bangladeshi friendship across generations.

    Ambassador Yao highlighted educational collaboration as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, describing the student-centered initiative as part of a broader women-focused livelihood program. The project is envisioned as a model for future Sino-Bangladeshi educational partnerships.

    According to reports from Bangladesh’s Daily Star citing the university’s Public Relations Office, the completed facility will provide accommodation for approximately 1,500 female students, addressing critical infrastructure needs while strengthening people-to-people connections between China and Bangladesh.

  • MIT professor shot at his Massachusetts home has died

    MIT professor shot at his Massachusetts home has died

    The Massachusetts Institute of Technology community is mourning the tragic loss of Professor Nuno F Gomes Loureiro, a 47-year-old nuclear science and engineering scholar from Portugal, who succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds sustained during a violent attack at his Brookline residence. The incident occurred on Monday evening at approximately 8:30 PM local time, when law enforcement officers responded to emergency calls reporting gunshots at an apartment complex.

    According to official statements from Brookline police and MIT administration, Professor Loureiro was transported via ambulance to a Boston-area medical facility where he fought for his life until Tuesday morning. The Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that no suspects have been apprehended and authorities are treating the case as an active homicide investigation.

    Eyewitness accounts obtained by CBS News describe hearing three distinct loud noises that initially sounded like door breaches rather than gunfire. Long-time neighborhood resident Anne Greenwald shared with reporters that the accomplished physicist maintained a low profile while raising his young family in the community and frequently utilized local educational institutions.

    Professor Loureiro’s academic journey spanned continents and prestigious institutions. His faculty profile indicates he completed his undergraduate studies in Physics at Lisbon’s Instituto Superior Técnico in 2000, followed by a doctorate in physics from Imperial College London in 2005. His untimely death represents not only a personal tragedy but a significant loss to the international scientific community, particularly in the specialized field of nuclear engineering.

    The investigation continues as law enforcement officials pursue all leads regarding this shocking act of violence that has rattled both the academic community and suburban neighborhood where it occurred.

  • Sudan general ready to talk to US President Trump for peace

    Sudan general ready to talk to US President Trump for peace

    In a significant diplomatic development, Sudan’s de facto leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has expressed willingness to collaborate with U.S. President Donald Trump to resolve the ongoing conflict devastating his nation. The Sudanese foreign ministry confirmed this position on Tuesday following General al-Burhan’s diplomatic visit to Riyadh as an official guest of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

    The Saudi leadership recently presented President Trump with a comprehensive peace proposal for Sudan during Prince Mohammed’s official visit to Washington. According to the Sudanese statement, General al-Burhan commended President Trump’s demonstrated commitment to peace initiatives and acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s participatory role in these efforts.

    “He affirmed Sudan’s keenness to work with President Trump, his secretary of state, and his envoy for peace in Sudan to achieve this unquestionably noble goal,” the ministry stated, specifically referencing Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. peace envoy Massad Boulos.

    This diplomatic overture occurs despite previous stalled negotiations led by a coalition of international mediators including the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The peace process reached an impasse when General al-Burhan rejected envoy Boulos’s most recent framework proposal.

    Meanwhile, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group maintains its official support for international ceasefire arrangements despite continued intense combat operations, particularly in Sudan’s southern Kordofan region. No new dates have been established for either U.S.-mediated discussions or parallel United Nations-led peace efforts.

    The devastating conflict, ongoing since April 2023, pits the nationally-recognized army controlling northern and eastern territories against the RSF forces dominating western regions and substantial southern areas. The humanitarian catastrophe has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities and displaced millions, creating what United Nations agencies classify as the world’s most severe humanitarian emergency.

  • Massive sauropod discovered in Chongqing

    Massive sauropod discovered in Chongqing

    Paleontologists have identified a colossal new dinosaur species that roamed the terrain of present-day Chongqing approximately 160 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period. The monumental discovery, formally classified as Mamenchisaurus sanjiangensis, was detailed in a groundbreaking study published in the prestigious journal Scientific Reports.

    The fossilized remains were originally unearthed in 2015 within Chongqing’s Hechuan district, a region situated at the convergence of the Jialing, Fujiang, and Qujiang rivers—a geographic feature that inspired the species’ nomenclature. With an estimated body length reaching 24 meters, comparable to the dimensions of a modern blue whale, this sauropod represents one of the most substantial dinosaur specimens ever recovered from the municipality.

    Research led by Dai Hui of the Chongqing Institute of Paleontology revealed that although the newly identified species shares close phylogenetic relationships with Mamenchisaurus hochuanensis, meticulous analysis of skeletal structures confirmed its distinct taxonomic status. The remarkably preserved fossil assemblage includes an extensive series of cervical, dorsal, and caudal vertebrae, alongside pelvic elements and portions of the left limb.

    This significant paleontological breakthrough emerged from the Upper Shaximiao Formation, a stratigraphic layer renowned for yielding numerous iconic Chinese dinosaur discoveries. The excavation and subsequent analysis mark a substantial advancement in Chongqing’s paleontological capabilities, providing crucial insights into sauropod diversification across East Asia during the Jurassic era. Mamenchisaurus sanjiangensis constitutes the eleventh novel dinosaur species identified in China throughout 2024, elevating Chongqing’s confirmed dinosaur species tally to fifteen.