In a significant diplomatic move, Ukraine has formally requested the Vatican to institutionalize its role in mediating the return of Ukrainian children and civilians taken by Russia during the ongoing conflict. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conveyed this appeal in a letter to Pope Leo XIV, ahead of a scheduled meeting between the pontiff and a delegation of repatriated Ukrainians. The letter seeks to formalize the informal mediation efforts initiated by Pope Francis, which involved Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi as a papal envoy for humanitarian matters. Iryna Vereshchuk, deputy head of Zelenskyy’s office, emphasized the necessity of this formalization to enhance the process’s effectiveness. She highlighted that the Vatican’s role as a neutral intermediary could facilitate structured communications between Ukraine and Russia, ensuring accountability in the return of civilians. Despite the Vatican’s informal involvement, the success of these efforts remains unclear. Vereshchuk accompanied a delegation of Ukrainian families who had been displaced or detained in Russian-controlled territories, underscoring the urgency of resolving this humanitarian crisis. Ukraine continues to document thousands of cases of children unlawfully taken to Russia, a practice condemned as a war crime by the International Criminal Court, which issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2023. According to Ukraine’s Bring Kids Back platform, over 19,000 children have been officially recorded as deported or forcibly transferred, with 1,247 successfully returned through diplomatic channels as of March 2024.
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Ariana Grande opens up on possibility of ‘Wicked 3’
Ariana Grande has sparked speculation about the possibility of a third installment in the ‘Wicked’ film series during a recent panel discussion with her co-star Cynthia Erivo. The duo, who star in the upcoming ‘Wicked: For Good,’ shared their emotional journey and deep connection to the project. Grande humorously referenced Cher’s infamous ‘farewell tours,’ suggesting that the story of ‘Wicked’ might not be over just yet. ‘No one’s going anywhere,’ she quipped, hinting at the potential for future adaptations. While Universal Studios has not officially announced a third film, the rich source material from L. Frank Baum’s ‘Oz’ series leaves ample room for expansion. Grande expressed her relief and joy at finally bringing her character, Glinda, to life on the big screen, describing the experience as transformative. She also reflected on her renewed passion for acting and the profound bond she shares with Erivo, calling their collaboration ‘the greatest gift of my life.’ Fans of the franchise are left eagerly anticipating what the future holds for ‘Wicked.’
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Parineeti Chopra, Raghav Chadha share first glimpse of their baby boy ‘Neer’
Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra and her husband, Indian lawmaker Raghav Chadha, have shared the first glimpse of their newborn son, Neer, in a heartfelt social media post. The couple posted intimate pictures featuring their baby boy’s tiny feet, capturing a tender moment of parental love. The caption accompanying the images read, ‘Our hearts found peace in an eternal drop of life. We named him Neer—pure, divine, limitless.’ The announcement has garnered widespread attention and warm wishes from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Actor Varun Dhawan expressed his joy in response to the post. The couple first announced the birth of their son in October 2025, describing their overwhelming happiness and the profound change he has brought to their lives. Earlier in August, they revealed their pregnancy with a creative Instagram post featuring a cake that read, ‘1+1=3,’ accompanied by the caption, ‘Our little universe … on its way. Blessed beyond measure.’ Parineeti and Raghav tied the knot in September 2023 at the luxurious Leela Palace Hotel in Udaipur, Rajasthan, in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family. The couple’s journey into parenthood has been celebrated with immense joy and positivity by their admirers.
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‘We did it!’: Countries celebrate World Cup qualification
Football enthusiasts across Panama, Haiti, Curacao, and Scotland erupted in jubilation as their national teams clinched coveted spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The qualification marks a historic milestone for these nations, igniting widespread celebrations and a renewed sense of national pride. In Panama, streets were filled with fans waving flags and chanting victory slogans, while Haiti’s vibrant communities hosted impromptu parades. Curacao’s supporters, known for their passionate fandom, gathered in large numbers to honor their team’s achievement. Meanwhile, in Scotland, the long-awaited qualification sparked euphoria, with pubs and public squares brimming with ecstatic supporters. The 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format, allowing more teams to compete on the global stage. For these nations, the qualification not only signifies sporting success but also serves as a unifying force, bringing communities together in shared triumph.
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Myanmar’s military says it has raided a second major online scam center
Myanmar’s military government has escalated its campaign against cross-border online scams, targeting a second major location in the town of Shwe Kokko near Myawaddy. According to state media reports on Wednesday, authorities detained 346 foreigners and seized nearly 10,000 mobile phones and related equipment used in fraudulent activities. This follows a similar raid in mid-October on KK Park, a notorious scam hub on the Thai border, where over 1,500 foreign workers fled into Thailand. The military has since demolished the KK Park compound, including through controlled explosions. Myanmar is a global hotspot for cyberscam operations, which often involve romantic ploys and fake investment schemes to defraud victims worldwide. The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime estimates these scam centers generate nearly $40 billion annually. The crackdown, which began in early September, has faced skepticism from critics who question its sincerity, alleging that masterminds remain active elsewhere. Military spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun emphasized China’s cooperation in these efforts, highlighting the alliance between Myanmar’s military government and Beijing, which remains isolated from many Western nations due to its 2021 coup and alleged human rights abuses. The region, loosely controlled by the military, is also influenced by ethnic minority militias, including the Border Guard Force and the Karen National Union, both of which deny involvement in scam operations despite accusations.
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China sends new pair of giant pandas to Malaysia
In a significant move to bolster international conservation efforts, China has dispatched a new pair of giant pandas to Malaysia as part of a decade-long cooperative program. The pandas, named Chen Xing and Xiao Yue, embarked on their journey from the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Malaysia on Tuesday afternoon. This initiative follows the extension of the conservation agreement between the two nations in April, marking a renewed commitment to the preservation of this iconic species. The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Sichuan province, which facilitated the transfer, emphasized the importance of such international collaborations in ensuring the survival and well-being of giant pandas. This program not only highlights the ongoing diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia but also underscores the global significance of panda conservation efforts.
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Dutch government suspends intervention into chipmaker Nexperia
The Dutch government has decided to suspend its intervention at Nexperia, a Chinese-owned semiconductor manufacturer based in the Netherlands, following constructive discussions with Chinese authorities. The initial action, taken in September under the Goods Availability Act, was prompted by concerns over ‘serious governance shortcomings’ and potential disruptions to Europe’s semiconductor supply chain, particularly for automotive and electronic industries. In response, China imposed export restrictions on Nexperia’s chips, escalating tensions between the two nations. However, on Wednesday, the Dutch government announced the suspension of its decision, citing progress in bilateral talks. China welcomed the move, describing it as a ‘first step in the right direction.’ Nexperia, a critical supplier of basic computer chips to the global automotive sector, plays a pivotal role in maintaining supply chains. The Dutch intervention had raised fears of exacerbating the ongoing global chip shortage, which has already strained manufacturing capabilities worldwide. Economic Affairs Minister Vincent Karremans emphasized the importance of further dialogue with China, praising Beijing’s efforts to ensure chip supply to Europe and beyond. The Dutch government had initially acted due to concerns over alleged mismanagement by Nexperia’s former CEO, Zhang Xuezheng, who was accused of improperly transferring assets, technology, and knowledge to a foreign entity. A Dutch court had ordered Zhang’s removal in October, citing these allegations. The suspension of the Dutch intervention is expected to ease tensions between the European Union and China, which have been strained by trade disputes and China’s relationship with Russia. However, Beijing noted that the decision ‘still falls short of addressing the root cause of the global semiconductor supply chain turmoil.’ Wingtech, Nexperia’s parent company, has vowed to challenge the Dutch court’s ruling, which stripped it of control over Nexperia. The case highlights the growing geopolitical complexities surrounding the semiconductor industry, a sector critical to global economic stability.
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Dubai World Cup 2026 tickets now on sale, prices start from Dh40
The highly anticipated Dubai World Cup 2026, set to take place on March 28 at the Meydan Racecourse, has officially opened ticket sales. Horse racing enthusiasts can secure their spots at this prestigious event at discounted early bird rates until December 31, 2025. General admission tickets, starting at Dh40 when purchased online, grant access to expansive public areas and live entertainment, making it an affordable option for fans. The event, celebrating its 30th anniversary, will showcase nine world-class races with a combined prize pool of $30.5 million, attracting top horses, jockeys, and trainers globally. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, VIP packages are available, ranging from Dh280 for Apron Views tickets to Dh8,000 for exclusive dining experiences like The Parade Ring Restaurant by Madinat Jumeirah. New additions such as the Far Turn Terrace offer breathtaking views and international cuisine, while private hospitality suites cater to larger groups with premium amenities. With its blend of elite racing, gourmet dining, and unparalleled entertainment, the Dubai World Cup 2026 promises to be a landmark event on the global sporting calendar.
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‘New leap’: UAE, South Korea issue joint declaration during Lee Jae-myung visit
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Korea have taken a significant step toward strengthening their bilateral ties with the issuance of a joint declaration during South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s visit to Abu Dhabi. The declaration, described as ‘a new leap toward a shared journey for the next century,’ outlines expanded cooperation across several strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, civil nuclear energy, defence technology, water management, public health, and education. The agreement was reached during a meeting between President Lee and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two nations have committed to enhancing water innovation ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, improving healthcare through the establishment of a Pre-Post Care Center and a K-Medical Cluster, and fostering educational exchanges via training and youth programs. In the defence sector, the partnership will focus on joint development, technology collaboration, and localized production, emphasizing knowledge transfer and capacity building. Additionally, the UAE and South Korea will strengthen their collaboration in civil nuclear energy, particularly in nuclear fuel, maintenance, and digital transformation at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The two countries also plan to promote the Barakah model internationally and advance clean-energy goals through next-generation nuclear technologies and AI-driven efficiency improvements. A notable highlight of the partnership is the UAE’s involvement in the US-backed Stargate project, which aims to build a massive AI data campus in the Gulf region. The first phase, Stargate UAE, will be developed by UAE firm G42 in collaboration with US tech giants OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia, and Cisco Systems, as well as Japan’s SoftBank Group. The joint declaration also outlines plans for a high-level inter-ministerial dialogue on responsible AI governance, cybersecurity, and semiconductor ecosystem resilience. Furthermore, the UAE and South Korea are exploring the establishment of ‘K-City,’ a hub designed to serve as a one-stop destination for Korean culture, food, and business in the Middle East. This initiative aims to position the UAE as the region’s cultural and economic gateway to South Korea.
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China’s premier ice-and-snow destinations poised for winter tourism frenzy
China’s premier ice-and-snow destinations are preparing for a surge in winter tourism, with Harbin leading the charge. The Harbin Ice-Snow World, the largest ice-and-snow theme park globally, is expanding its offerings for the upcoming season. Spanning 1.2 million square meters, the park will feature new attractions such as hot spring camps, cross-country skiing tracks, and themed parades. Enhanced smart tourism services and accessibility facilities aim to attract global visitors. Last season, the park welcomed over 3.56 million visitors, contributing significantly to the local economy. The city of Harbin, known as China’s ‘ice city,’ recorded 90.35 million visitors last winter, generating 137.22 billion yuan in tourist spending. Beyond Harbin, other regions like Mudanjiang, Jilin, and Altay are also capitalizing on their unique ice-and-snow resources. Mudanjiang’s China Snow Town opened with over 30 cultural and tourism activities, while Jilin plans to issue 100 million yuan in vouchers to boost winter tourism. Altay, leveraging its rich skiing heritage, will offer a nine-day ‘snow break’ for students, promoting nature connection and cultural inheritance. These initiatives align with China’s broader strategy to develop the ice-and-snow economy, targeting a 1.2 trillion yuan economic scale by 2027.