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  • Exclusive: Why Pakistan’s India boycott hits ICC and BCCI where it hurts

    Exclusive: Why Pakistan’s India boycott hits ICC and BCCI where it hurts

    In an unprecedented move that has reverberated throughout the international cricket community, Pakistan has officially withdrawn from its high-stakes T20 World Cup match against arch-rival India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. This calculated decision, endorsed by the Pakistani government and supported by former cricketing legends, represents a profound protest against what many perceive as systemic imbalances within the International Cricket Council’s governance structure.

    The geopolitical tensions underlying this boycott center on recent ICC decisions, particularly the handling of Bangladesh’s tournament participation and the controversial removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif, in an exclusive interview, articulated the growing sentiment among many cricket nations that the ICC has consistently favored the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in critical decision-making processes.

    Latif emphasized the significance of Pakistan’s stance, noting that while the BCCI remains cricket’s most financially powerful entity, the sport’s integrity suffers when competitive balance is compromised. The former captain highlighted specific incidents including the ICC’s refusal to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to co-host Sri Lanka despite establishing a precedent during last year’s Champions Trophy when India’s matches were moved to Dubai for security reasons.

    Adding to the diplomatic friction was last year’s ‘handshake gate’ incident during the Asia Cup, where Indian players refused customary post-match gestures with Pakistani counterparts months after the neighboring nuclear powers nearly escalated into full-scale conflict.

    The financial implications of this boycott are substantial, with India-Pakistan matches typically generating approximately $400 million in broadcasting and advertising revenue. This fixture consistently ranks among the most-watched sporting events globally, making Pakistan’s withdrawal a significant economic blow to both the ICC and broadcast partners.

    Despite forfeiting potential points in Group A, where Pakistan faces comparatively weaker opponents including the Netherlands, Namibia, and the USA, the team’s World Cup prospects remain viable following their recent series victory over Australia. However, questions persist regarding how Pakistan would handle a potential knockout-stage encounter against India.

    The ICC has issued statements warning of ‘long-term implications’ for Pakistan’s cricket future, but many analysts believe the organization cannot afford to alienate a nation that represents nearly 400 million passionate cricket followers. This standoff ultimately underscores the delicate balance between sporting excellence, political realities, and commercial interests in modern international cricket.

  • Bad Bunny will perform ‘great’ half-time show, says NFL boss

    Bad Bunny will perform ‘great’ half-time show, says NFL boss

    In a landmark moment for Latin music, global superstar Bad Bunny is preparing to headline the Super Bowl 60 halftime show this weekend in Santa Clara, California. The Puerto Rican artist will become the first solo male Latin performer and the first artist to deliver the entire performance in Spanish, marking a significant cultural milestone for the event historically dominated by English-language acts.

    The announcement comes fresh off the artist’s historic Grammy Awards victory on Sunday, where he became the first Latin artist ever to win Album of the Year. His Grammy appearance was notably political, featuring himself and numerous fellow artists speaking out against former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

    NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the selection at a Monday press conference, acknowledging both Bad Bunny’s artistic merit and his understanding of the platform’s significance. “Bad Bunny is one of the greatest artists in the world and that’s one of the reasons we chose him,” Goodell stated, “but the other reason is he understood the platform he was on. This platform is used to unite people and to be able to bring people together with their creativity, with their talent.”

    The decision has proven divisive among segments of the American public, partly due to the artist’s vocal political stance. Bad Bunny recently avoided including U.S. dates on his world tour due to concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducting raids at his concerts. At the Grammys, he explicitly advocated for immigrant rights with the phrase “ICE out.”

    When questioned about potential ICE operations during Super Bowl weekend, Commissioner Goodell emphasized security preparations: “Security’s obviously one of the things we focus on the most. It’s a tier-one level event. That involves unique assets at a federal level, state level and local level all working together. I see no change in that with the preparations for the Super Bowl.”

    The event is expected to draw over 120 million viewers in the United States alone, providing an unprecedented global stage for both Latin music and the artist’s message. Bad Bunny, who has been Spotify’s most streamed artist globally in four of the past six years, represents the continuing evolution of the Super Bowl halftime show as both entertainment spectacle and cultural platform.

  • Standard Chartered raises $170 million in DIFC deal

    Standard Chartered raises $170 million in DIFC deal

    In a strategic financial maneuver executed on February 2, 2026, Standard Chartered Bank has successfully raised $170 million through the issuance of a Certificate of Deposit via its Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) branch. This transaction was conducted under the bank’s established UK electronic commercial paper and certificate of deposit program, marking a significant advancement in utilizing Dubai as a pivotal platform for international capital mobilization.

    Certificates of Deposit represent short-term investment instruments that financial institutions employ to secure funding from substantial investors, including institutional entities and asset management firms. For the broader public, this signifies a regulated borrowing mechanism where the bank obtains short-term capital while providing investors with a secure, tradable instrument guaranteed by a globally recognized financial entity.

    The execution of this financial operation through the DIFC underscores the United Arab Emirates’ expanding influence as a global financial nexus, strategically connecting capital flows between Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and European markets. Camil Zoghby, Head of Treasury Markets for the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan at Standard Chartered, emphasized that “this issuance represents the first of many in the region and constitutes a crucial milestone in enhancing our funding resilience while extending our global liquidity reach.”

    This financial development not only strengthens Standard Chartered’s funding infrastructure and access to diverse international capital pools but also validates the UAE’s sophisticated financial ecosystem. The nation’s sustained investments in robust regulatory frameworks, transparent market operations, and advanced digital financial infrastructure have positioned Dubai as an increasingly attractive destination for complex international funding activities.

    The transaction simultaneously benefits multiple stakeholders: investors gain exposure to low-risk, short-term investment vehicles backed by a globally active banking institution, while the UAE reinforces its standing as a credible and sophisticated jurisdiction for international financial operations. By selecting the DIFC as the platform for this issuance, Standard Chartered actively contributes to the UAE’s broader ambition of establishing itself as a preeminent global financial center bridging Eastern and Western capital markets.

  • UAE government adopts regulated stablecoin as a mode of payment for the government services

    UAE government adopts regulated stablecoin as a mode of payment for the government services

    The United Arab Emirates has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in digital governance by formally authorizing the use of AE Coin, a regulated stablecoin, as an official payment method for all federal government services. This landmark decision represents the first nationwide implementation of a central bank-licensed stablecoin for government fee payments anywhere in the Middle East region.

    The strategic initiative, announced during Abu Dhabi Finance Week, positions the UAE at the forefront of institutional Web3 adoption and public-sector digital transformation. AE Coin operates as the UAE’s first central bank-licensed, fully reserved payment token backed by the UAE dirham, administered through the AEC Wallet platform powered by Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank).

    To operationalize this visionary framework, three major financial institutions—Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), and Network International—have executed separate Memoranda of Understanding with Mbank. These agreements establish the necessary payment infrastructure to facilitate AE Coin transactions across all federal ministries, authorities, and government service channels.

    Saeed Saeed Rashed Al Yateem, Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Budget at the Ministry of Finance, emphasized that this recognition “reinforces the UAE’s position as one of the most advanced nations in building a fully integrated financial and digital infrastructure.” The integration of this blockchain-based digital currency into government revenue systems demonstrates the country’s commitment to harnessing advanced technologies for more efficient and reliable public services.

    Industry leaders celebrated the development as transformative for the UAE’s financial ecosystem. Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Community Bank, described the move as “a powerful demonstration of how regulated digital finance can enhance public services, simplify transactions, and accelerate national innovation.” Ramez Rafeek, General Manager of AED Stablecoin LLC, noted that this implementation “sets a new regional benchmark for real-world utility” of virtual assets.

    The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of creating a next-generation digital government where services become more accessible, responsive, and integrated across channels. By enabling instant, low-cost payments with enhanced security protections, the framework advances financial inclusion while providing more flexible digital payment options for citizens and businesses alike.

  • Pushing for trade, preparing for war: A document reveals Vietnam’s dual approach toward the US

    Pushing for trade, preparing for war: A document reveals Vietnam’s dual approach toward the US

    HANOI, Vietnam — Internal Vietnamese military documents reveal significant apprehension regarding American intentions, despite the two nations formally elevating diplomatic relations to the highest level just a year prior. A report published Tuesday by The 88 Project, a human rights organization, details these documents, which label the United States a “belligerent” power and outline preparations for a potential American “war of aggression.

    The most striking document, titled “The 2nd U.S. Invasion Plan,” was authored by Vietnam’s Ministry of Defense in August 2024. It posits that while seeking to strengthen its deterrence against China, the U.S. and its allies are prepared to employ unconventional warfare, military intervention, and even large-scale invasions against nations perceived as deviating from its sphere of influence. Although the assessment concludes the immediate risk of war is low, it emphasizes the need for vigilance against Washington’s “belligerent nature” and its potential to “create a pretext” for an invasion.

    This internal perspective starkly contrasts with the public diplomatic posture. In 2023, President Joe Biden and Vietnamese officials signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, elevating the U.S. to the same diplomatic tier as China and Russia. The U.S. State Department, while declining to comment on the specific military document, reaffirmed its commitment to this partnership, stating it “promotes prosperity and security for both nations” and benefits a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    Analysts interpret these documents as evidence of a profound internal divide within Vietnam’s leadership. The military and conservative party factions remain deeply skeptical of U.S. motives, primarily fearing Washington’s ultimate goal is to instigate a “color revolution” to overthrow the socialist government—a concern that outweighs even anxieties about regional rival China. This fear is rooted in historical context, including the memory of the Vietnam War and more recent actions, such as the Trump administration’s cuts to USAID programs, which disrupted critical projects like Agent Orange cleanup efforts.

    The political landscape is further complicated by the new leadership of General Secretary To Lam, who has simultaneously pursued stronger ties with the U.S., including swift cooperation with Trump-era initiatives, while presiding over a military apparatus that views America with deep suspicion. Recent U.S. military actions, such as the operation against Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, have provided fresh justification for conservative elements wary of Washington’s willingness to violate sovereignty. Ultimately, Vietnam continues to perform a delicate balancing act, engaging economically and diplomatically with the U.S. while its internal security apparatus prepares for a potential confrontation.

  • China bans hidden car door handles over safety concerns

    China bans hidden car door handles over safety concerns

    China has emerged as the first nation worldwide to implement a comprehensive ban on concealed door handles in electric vehicles, establishing groundbreaking safety regulations that will reshape automotive design standards. This decisive move by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology comes amid growing international scrutiny of EV safety mechanisms following several high-profile incidents involving power failure-related entrapments.

    The new regulatory framework, set to take effect January 1, 2027, mandates that all passenger vehicles sold in China must feature both internal and external mechanical door releases. Exterior handles require a recessed space measuring at least 6cm by 2cm by 2.5cm for accessibility, while interior compartments must display clear instructional signage measuring no smaller than 1cm by 0.7cm.

    This regulatory shift addresses a widespread design feature prevalent in approximately 60% of China’s top-selling new energy vehicles, including pure electric, hybrid, and fuel cell models. The controversial hidden handle design, popularized by Tesla and adopted by numerous manufacturers including Xiaomi, has faced increased examination after multiple safety incidents where electrical failures prevented door operation during emergencies.

    While the regulations specifically target the Chinese market, industry analysts anticipate global ramifications given China’s substantial influence in automotive manufacturing and EV adoption. The move aligns with ongoing investigations by U.S. safety regulators into Tesla’s door mechanisms, particularly concerning the 2021 Model Y vehicles where multiple complaints documented instances requiring window breakage to rescue trapped occupants.

    Automakers with previously approved vehicle designs will receive a two-year grace period to implement necessary modifications, providing substantial lead time for industry-wide compliance with the new safety standards.

  • Zelenskyy says Russia largely observing energy ceasefire ahead of peace talks

    Zelenskyy says Russia largely observing energy ceasefire ahead of peace talks

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Monday that Russian forces have largely adhered to a temporary cessation of attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, creating a fragile but significant de-escalation ahead of scheduled trilateral peace negotiations. The reported compliance comes as diplomatic preparations intensify for upcoming talks involving Russian, Ukrainian, and US officials in Abu Dhabi.

    Zelenskyy stated that targeted missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian energy facilities had notably diminished over the preceding 24-hour period, though some frontline energy installations continued to experience shelling. The Ukrainian leader characterized these de-escalation measures as vital confidence-building steps that could enhance public trust in the negotiation process. “Ukraine is ready for real steps. We believe it is realistic to achieve a dignified and lasting peace,” Zelenskyy emphasized following consultations with his negotiation team.

    The temporary truce on energy infrastructure, announced the previous week, had been clouded by conflicting interpretations regarding its duration. While the Kremlin acknowledged that former US President Donald Trump had personally requested Russian President Vladimir Putin refrain from strikes until February 1st, Ukrainian officials maintained the ceasefire was intended to extend for one week beginning January 30th.

    Despite the relative reprieve, Ukraine continues grappling with severe energy challenges resulting from months of systematic attacks on its power grid. Energy providers race against time and extreme winter conditions to restore electricity and heating services to affected populations. Maxim Timchenko, CEO of Ukraine’s largest private energy company DTEK, highlighted the critical nature of the ceasefire period: “We need some time to recover what is destroyed for the last three months… This ceasefire is extremely important for us to recover partly and avoid any tragic consequences.”

    The fragile situation was underscored by DTEK’s report of renewed attacks on its coal mining operations in Dnipropetrovsk region, where a Sunday strike had killed twelve miners. Meanwhile, regional officials in Donetsk confirmed civilian casualties from shelling that killed a father and son while injuring a mother and her two children. Zelenskyy additionally noted that Russian forces appear to have shifted tactical focus toward targeting transportation logistics, particularly railway infrastructure.

  • Watch: Why is no-one being prosecuted over the Epstein files?

    Watch: Why is no-one being prosecuted over the Epstein files?

    The comprehensive release of millions of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case has generated widespread public anticipation for new criminal prosecutions, yet legal experts identify multiple structural barriers preventing immediate judicial action. Despite containing names of powerful associates and detailed accounts, these documents primarily constitute civil case records rather than new criminal evidence.

    Legal analysts emphasize that most documents unveiled through recent court orders represent depositions and discovery materials from Virginia Giuffre’s settled civil lawsuit against Ghislaine Maxwell. These materials lack the evidentiary standards required for criminal convictions, with many accounts representing hearsay or uncorroborated testimony rather than direct proof of criminal activity.

    Prosecutorial challenges include statutes of limitations that have expired for many potential offenses, the death of key figures Epstein and Maxwell, and witness credibility issues. Former federal prosecutors note that while the documents provide contextual information about Epstein’s network, they largely contain allegations already examined by investigators during previous criminal cases.

    The documents’ release through civil litigation mechanisms means they underwent less rigorous verification than criminal evidence would require. Many individuals named maintain their innocence and claim inclusion resulted from Epstein’s manipulation rather than their own wrongdoing. Legal authorities continue reviewing the materials, but experts caution that expectations of imminent prosecutions may be legally unrealistic given existing jurisdictional and evidentiary constraints.

  • Trump announces India-US trade deal ‘effective immediately’ with reduced tariff plans

    Trump announces India-US trade deal ‘effective immediately’ with reduced tariff plans

    In a landmark diplomatic development, President Donald Trump has declared the immediate implementation of a comprehensive trade agreement between the United States and India. The announcement came following a substantive phone discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 2, 2026.

    The breakthrough agreement establishes reciprocal tariff reductions, with the United States committing to lower its tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%. In a corresponding move, India has pledged to eliminate both tariff and non-tariff barriers against American imports, effectively reducing them to zero. This bilateral arrangement represents a significant departure from previous trade tensions between the two nations.

    Beyond commercial considerations, the dialogue addressed critical geopolitical matters. Prime Minister Modi committed to substantial energy purchases from the United States, totaling over $500 billion across multiple sectors including technology, coal, and energy resources. In a strategic shift with global implications, India agreed to cease purchasing Russian oil and instead source petroleum products from the United States and potentially Venezuela.

    President Trump characterized these energy agreements as instrumental to conflict resolution, stating that this collective approach ‘will help end the war in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week.’ Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude on behalf of India’s 1.4 billion citizens, emphasizing the mutual benefits of strengthened Indo-American relations.

    This agreement marks a significant realignment in global trade dynamics and energy markets, potentially altering existing geopolitical alliances and economic partnerships across multiple continents.

  • Where is Evo Morales? Bolivia’s ex-leader vanishes from public view for nearly a month

    Where is Evo Morales? Bolivia’s ex-leader vanishes from public view for nearly a month

    Bolivia’s political sphere has been thrown into turmoil following the unexplained absence of former socialist president Evo Morales, whose sudden withdrawal from public life has generated intense speculation across the South American nation. The iconic leader, who has maintained an active political presence despite facing an arrest warrant for human trafficking charges, has unexpectedly vanished from his usual public engagements since early January.

    Morales’ unprecedented disappearance marks a dramatic shift for the firebrand politician who consistently maintained visibility through his weekly radio broadcasts, social media activity, and regular appearances with his coca-growing union in the Chapare region. His absence has become particularly conspicuous given his previous pattern of political engagement, even while evading judicial authorities.

    Close associates have offered dengue fever as explanation for his absence, with Dieter Mendoza, vice president of the Six Federations coca growers’ union, stating Morales has been advised to rest completely. However, the extended nature of his disappearance has fueled skepticism and alternative theories among both supporters and political opponents.

    The mystery has reignited historical tensions dating back to Morales’ 2019 resignation under military pressure following his controversial bid for a third term. Right-wing lawmaker Edgar Zegarra has boldly claimed, without evidence, that Morales has fled to Mexico, echoing the former president’s previous exile pattern. Meanwhile, police officials have cryptically confirmed only that Morales hasn’t left Bolivia through official channels.

    This political drama unfolds against Bolivia’s significant ideological shift following the October election of centrist President Rodrigo Paz, who has moved to reverse Morales’ anti-American policies by reestablishing relations with the United States, including potential DEA involvement—a particularly sensitive issue in coca-growing regions still traumatized by 1990s drug wars.

    The uncertainty surrounding Morales’ whereabouts has provided ammunition for conservative critics who accuse the government of failing to execute an outstanding arrest warrant. Former presidential candidate Jorge Quiroga has intensified pressure on the Paz administration, declaring that Morales is “making a mockery of the state” by evading justice.

    Despite the speculation, Morales retains substantial grassroots support, with loyalists vowing to resist any security operations in the Chapare region. His inner circle maintains an enigmatic stance, with former senator Leonardo Loza offering only that Morales is “doing very well” in “a corner of our greater homeland,” leaving Bolivia’s political future hanging in the balance.