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  • Trump steals the show in Davos with a mixed bag of rhetoric and results at elite gathering

    Trump steals the show in Davos with a mixed bag of rhetoric and results at elite gathering

    DAVOS, Switzerland — The 2020 World Economic Forum witnessed a striking dichotomy as U.S. President Donald Trump’s geopolitical theater eclipsed substantive discussions on artificial intelligence and climate initiatives that traditionally dominate the annual gathering of global elites. During his whirlwind 24-hour appearance in the Swiss Alps, Trump commanded unprecedented attention through a combination of provocative policy announcements and diplomatic reversals that reshaped the forum’s narrative landscape.

    The presidential presence created what observers termed ‘two parallel conferences’: one focused on technological innovation where business leaders like Elon Musk and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang discussed AI infrastructure and employment impacts, and another dominated entirely by Trump’s geopolitical maneuvers. This division was notably articulated by former Congresswoman Jane Harman, who observed the forum’s unusual bifurcation between technological and political discourses.

    Trump’s agenda included the abrupt announcement of tariffs against eight European nations opposing his Greenland acquisition attempt—a move he dramatically reversed within days following international criticism. Simultaneously, he launched the controversial ‘Board of Peace’ initiative for Middle East conflict resolution, drawing mixed reactions from global leaders. While NATO’s Mark Rutte and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised Trump’s engagement with Eastern European security concerns, European allies expressed skepticism about the proposed alternative to UN frameworks.

    Amid the political spectacle, technological discussions advanced with cautious optimism. AI executives emphasized the technology’s potential to create infrastructure jobs rather than eliminate employment, while addressing concerns about energy consumption and U.S.-China trade tensions. The forum concluded with BlackRock’s Larry Fink invoking Elon Musk’s optimistic perspective, underscoring the business community’s preference for hopeful engagement over pessimistic forecasting despite the prevailing political turbulence.

  • Death toll in Pakistan’s Gul Plaza mall fire rises to 67, local government says

    Death toll in Pakistan’s Gul Plaza mall fire rises to 67, local government says

    A devastating fire that engulfed a shopping mall in Karachi has resulted in a catastrophic death toll of 67 individuals, according to an official statement from local government authorities on Friday. The tragedy at Gul Plaza represents the most lethal fire incident in Pakistan’s largest metropolis since the 2012 industrial inferno that claimed over 260 lives.

    Municipal officials reported that forensic teams have completed post-mortem examinations for all recovered victims, with DNA analysis currently underway to facilitate identification of the deceased. The comprehensive identification process reflects the severe impact of the blaze on victims and families.

    This catastrophe has reignited serious concerns about fire safety protocols and emergency preparedness in Pakistan’s urban centers. The incident marks the most significant loss of life from fire in Karachi in fourteen years, drawing painful parallels to previous industrial accidents that exposed similar safety deficiencies.

    Emergency response teams worked through the night battling the intense flames and conducting rescue operations. The rapid spread of fire through the commercial structure trapped numerous shoppers and employees, creating challenges for evacuation efforts.

    The tragedy has prompted calls for immediate review of fire safety regulations and building code enforcement across Pakistani cities, particularly in densely populated commercial districts where such disasters could have devastating consequences.

  • Outrage after Trump claims NATO troops avoided Afghan front line

    Outrage after Trump claims NATO troops avoided Afghan front line

    The British government has formally rebuked former U.S. President Donald Trump for what it called “wrong” comments that diminished NATO allies’ contributions during the Afghanistan conflict. The diplomatic row erupted following Trump’s interview with Fox News where he suggested NATO troops “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines” in Afghanistan.

    British officials expressed particular outrage at Trump’s apparent unawareness that 457 British soldiers died during the conflict. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official spokesman emphasized that “their sacrifice and that of other NATO forces was made in the service of collective security and in response to an attack on our ally.”

    The controversy deepened as Defense Minister John Healey noted that NATO’s Article 5 collective security clause had only been triggered once in history—precisely to support the United States following the 9/11 attacks. “The UK and NATO allies answered the US call. And more than 450 British personnel lost their lives in Afghanistan,” Healey stated, describing the fallen troops as “heroes who gave their lives in service of our nation.”

    Families of deceased soldiers joined political leaders in expressing outrage. Lucy Aldridge, whose son William died in Afghanistan at age 18, told The Mirror newspaper that Trump’s remarks were “extremely upsetting.” Labour Party politician Emily Thornberry, chair of parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, denounced the comments as “so much more than a mistake” and “an absolute insult to 457 families who lost someone in Afghanistan.”

    Official UK figures confirm that 405 of the 457 British casualties in Afghanistan were killed in hostile military action, directly contradicting Trump’s assertion about NATO forces avoiding front-line combat. The United States reportedly lost more than 2,400 soldiers during the conflict.

  • Are protein shakes replacing real meals for UAE gym-goers? Doctors urge balance

    Are protein shakes replacing real meals for UAE gym-goers? Doctors urge balance

    Medical professionals across the United Arab Emirates are raising urgent concerns about the growing trend of protein supplementation replacing whole food meals among younger demographics. What was once exclusively the domain of elite athletes and bodybuilders has now permeated mainstream fitness culture, with Millennials, Generation Z, and even adolescents increasingly substituting nutritional shakes for proper meals.

    Clinical observations from multiple healthcare facilities indicate a significant shift in dietary patterns, driven predominantly by gym culture and social media influence. Jaseera Maniparambil, Clinical Dietitian at Aster Clinic in Bur Dubai, reports witnessing a substantial increase in protein supplement usage among young adults, many of whom operate under the mistaken belief that excessive protein consumption automatically translates to superior fitness outcomes.

    Recent scientific research from Deakin University’s Food and Mood Centre provides empirical evidence supporting medical concerns. The study compared two low-energy diet programs—one utilizing supplement shakes and bars, another employing whole foods. While both groups demonstrated similar weight reduction metrics, critical differences emerged in body composition. The whole-food cohort preserved significantly more lean muscle mass while shedding fat, whereas the shake-based group lost considerable muscle alongside fat—a concerning outcome given muscle preservation’s crucial role in metabolic health and long-term wellness.

    Dr. Fiji Antony, Head of Department and Chief Clinical Dietitian at NMC Speciality Hospital in Dubai, emphasizes that protein shakes frequently lack comprehensive nutritional profiles. “These supplements typically provide isolated protein but fall short in delivering the full spectrum of fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients abundant in whole foods,” she explains.

    The medical community particularly cautions against adolescent usage, noting that Westernized diets already provide two to three times the necessary protein intake without supplementation. Excessive protein consumption may potentially stress renal and hepatic functions while increasing dehydration risks. Regular meal replacement with shakes among developing youth could precipitate nutrient deficiencies, low energy availability, digestive discomfort, and the establishment of poor long-term eating habits.

    Healthcare specialists unanimously stress that protein supplements should serve as strategic support tools rather than meal replacements—appropriate for post-workout recovery, during extended work periods delaying meals, or for individuals with clinically demonstrated elevated protein requirements. They emphasize that most individuals consuming balanced diets already meet their nutritional needs through whole foods alone and recommend professional dietary assessment before incorporating supplements.

  • Indonesia finds bodies of 10 passengers on crashed surveillance plane

    Indonesia finds bodies of 10 passengers on crashed surveillance plane

    Indonesian search teams have confirmed the recovery of all ten victims from the wreckage of a crashed surveillance aircraft in South Sulawesi province. The ATR 42-500 turboprop, operated by Indonesia Air Transport (IAT), vanished from radar contact last Saturday during a fisheries monitoring mission for the nation’s Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry.

    The aircraft carried seven crew members and three ministry personnel when it disappeared near the Maros region approximately 1,500 kilometers northeast of Jakarta. After days of intensive search operations, rescue personnel located the scattered wreckage across the challenging terrain of Mount Bulusaraung.

    Andi Sultan, a visibly emotional official from South Sulawesi’s rescue agency, confirmed in a video statement that the final two victims were recovered early Friday, completing the tragic recovery operation. The National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the accident, with examination of the recently recovered black box data underway.

    This incident marks Indonesia’s first fatal crash involving an ATR 42 model in over a decade, recalling the 2015 Trigana Air Service tragedy in Papua that claimed 54 lives. The nation’s aviation safety record has faced increased scrutiny since the 2021 Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737 crash in the Java Sea that resulted in 62 fatalities.

  • Trump says Greenland framework includes mineral rights. What minerals does the island have?

    Trump says Greenland framework includes mineral rights. What minerals does the island have?

    Former President Donald Trump has reignited geopolitical interest in Greenland by claiming to have established a preliminary framework for future agreements concerning the island’s defense infrastructure and mineral rights. This development underscores Greenland’s growing strategic value due to its vast deposits of rare earth elements essential for electronics, green energy, and military technologies.

    Geological surveys indicate Greenland possesses 25 of the 34 minerals classified as critical raw materials by the European Commission, including graphite, niobium, and titanium. While Trump publicly emphasizes security concerns regarding Russian and Chinese Arctic expansion, analysts suggest resource acquisition remains a primary motivator. “This is fundamentally about securing those resources and preventing Chinese dominance,” stated Professor Steven Lamy of the University of Southern California.

    The U.S. has intensified engagement with Greenland since reopening its Nuuk consulate in 2020. Recent actions include approving $120 million in financing through the Export-Import Bank for a American mining project there, aligning with broader efforts to diversify rare earth supplies away from China. Allies like UN Ambassador Mike Waltz emphasize Greenland’s multidimensional value: “This concerns shipping lanes, energy resources, fisheries, and ultimately national security.”

    However, significant challenges persist. Greenland’s mining industry faces extreme operational hurdles including harsh weather, insufficient infrastructure, and limited labor. Although climate change is gradually exposing new mineral-rich areas and potential hydroelectric sources, only two active mines currently operate despite 100 exploration permits being issued. Researchers like Mikkel Runge Olesen note that while mineral quantities are substantial, extraction costs remain prohibitively high.

    Critics question whether U.S. control is necessary for resource access, while experts characterize current mining prospects as largely theoretical. Dr. Patrick Schröder of Chatham House acknowledged Greenland’s potential to “shift the dial” in global mineral supply chains, though Jennifer Spence of Harvard’s Arctic Initiative noted operations remain “all still about potential” despite the evident economic and strategic interests driving Trump’s approach.

  • Taliban release female athlete, 22, after 13 days in jail

    Taliban release female athlete, 22, after 13 days in jail

    A 22-year-old Afghan woman detained for operating a taekwondo training facility for girls has been released following a 13-day imprisonment, according to confirmation from Taliban judicial authorities. Khadija Ahmadzada, residing near Herat in western Afghanistan, faced detention earlier this month after officials from the Ministry of Vice and Virtue identified multiple violations at her establishment.

    Taliban authorities cited three primary infractions: inadequate hijab compliance, the presence of musical elements, and gender mixing within the training facility. A ministry spokesperson indicated that Ahmadzada had received several prior warnings before enforcement action was taken.

    The case garnered significant international attention after United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan Richard Bennett amplified the situation through social media channels, simultaneously highlighting the ongoing detention of female journalist Nazira Rashidi in Kunduz. The Taliban government maintains that Rashidi’s detention is unrelated to her professional activities.

    Since regaining control in 2021, Taliban authorities have systematically closed women’s sports facilities nationwide, citing the need to establish environments compliant with their interpretation of Islamic law. No sports clubs for women have resumed operations as of January 2026, and female athletes remain barred from official competition.

    This incident represents another manifestation of the comprehensive restrictions imposed on Afghan women, including severe limitations on educational opportunities, employment access, and strict dress code enforcement. The Taliban’s supreme court ultimately ordered Ahmadzada’s release on January 22, though her current whereabouts remain undisclosed.

  • White House X account alters protester photo to add tears

    White House X account alters protester photo to add tears

    The White House has ignited controversy after its official X account disseminated a digitally manipulated photograph depicting arrested protester Nekima Levy Armstrong in tears, without disclosing the image had been altered. The incident occurred on Thursday when the administration shared the modified image showing Armstrong sobbing with visible tears and distorted facial features, contrasting sharply with the original photograph posted by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that showed her calm and expressionless during arrest.

    The altered image carried a superimposed caption labeling Armstrong as a ‘far-left agitator’ following her arrest for allegedly disrupting a church service during protests against immigration policies. This episode highlights the Trump administration’s increasing utilization of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to advance political narratives through official government channels.

    White House Deputy Communications Director Kaelan Dorr indirectly acknowledged the modification through a social media post that defended the administration’s approach, stating ‘Enforcement of the law will continue. The memes will continue.’ The alteration prompted immediate criticism from social media users who expressed concern about government entities using manipulated imagery presented as factual content.

    According to Walter Scheirer of the University of Notre Dame, such digitally altered images have become ‘commonplace in partisan politics’ and are frequently employed to humiliate opposition figures or make exaggerated political statements. Scheirer noted that while similar to traditional political cartoons, the use of such tactics through official government communication channels represents ‘a notable lack of decorum.’

    This incident occurs during the first year of President Trump’s second term, which has seen increased deployment of hyper-realistic fabricated visuals across Truth Social and other platforms. The administration has previously shared AI-generated imagery depicting the president in various scenarios including dressed as the pope, alongside lions, and conducting orchestras at prestigious venues.

  • Mandela’s prison key, sunglasses and shirt can be sold after daughter wins court battle

    Mandela’s prison key, sunglasses and shirt can be sold after daughter wins court battle

    South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal has delivered a landmark ruling permitting Nelson Mandela’s eldest daughter to proceed with the sale of 70 personal items belonging to the anti-apartheid icon. The court dismissed an appeal by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra) which sought to block the export and auction of these historically significant artifacts.

    The collection includes profoundly symbolic items such as the original cell key from Robben Island where Mandela spent 18 years of his imprisonment, his signature floral shirt, Aviator sunglasses, a personally signed copy of the 1996 Constitution, and gifts from world leaders including former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Other notable items comprise Mandela’s identification documents, charcoal drawings, and a tennis racquet used during his incarceration.

    Makaziwe Mandela, Mandela’s daughter from his first marriage, and Christo Brand, Mandela’s former prison warden who became his close friend, jointly own these artifacts. They had planned to export the collection to the United States for auction through Guernsey’s auction house.

    The court criticized Sahra for employing an ‘overly broad’ interpretation of the National Heritage Resources Act and noted the agency failed to provide substantive justification for classifying these personal items as protected national heritage. The ruling emphasized that while Sahra presented no detailed arguments, the owners provided comprehensive explanations why these objects shouldn’t be considered heritage artifacts.

    Makaziwe Mandela welcomed the decision, stating she intends to use proceeds to establish a memorial garden at her father’s gravesite in Qunu, Eastern Cape. She strongly criticized Sahra for presuming ‘to know my father’s last wishes better than those who were beside him at the end – his family.’

    The controversy has sparked national debate between those who believe Mandela’s artifacts should remain in South Africa as national treasures and those who argue his family should determine their disposition. It remains uncertain whether authorities will pursue additional legal avenues to prevent the sale.

  • ‘The ultimate insult’: Trump downplaying NATO’s Afghanistan involvement causes distress in UK

    ‘The ultimate insult’: Trump downplaying NATO’s Afghanistan involvement causes distress in UK

    LONDON — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited fierce condemnation from British officials and military families following controversial remarks questioning NATO allies’ combat commitment during the Afghanistan conflict. Speaking during a Fox News interview in Davos on Thursday, Trump cast doubt on NATO’s reliability while suggesting non-American troops deliberately avoided front-line engagement.

    The comments struck a particularly raw nerve in the United Kingdom, which deployed over 150,000 personnel to Afghanistan—the largest contingent after the United States—with 456 ultimately sacrificing their lives. British Defense Secretary John Healey emphasized that UK forces ‘answered the U.S. call’ following the 9/11 attacks, stating fallen troops should be ‘remembered as heroes who gave their lives in service of our nation.’

    Lawmaker Ben Obese-Jecty, a former captain in the Royal Yorkshire Regiment who served in Afghanistan, expressed dismay at seeing ‘our nation’s sacrifice, and that of our NATO partners, held so cheaply.’ The criticism extended to Trump’s personal military service record, with author Stephen Stewart highlighting the ‘huge irony’ of draft deferment recipient Trump questioning others’ combat commitment.

    The controversy emerges amid escalating transatlantic tensions following Trump’s threats to seize Greenland—a semi-autonomous Danish territory—and impose tariffs on European nations. Historical context further contradicts Trump’s assertions: Article 5 of NATO’s founding treaty, the mutual defense clause, was invoked only once—in response to the 9/11 attacks on the United States.

    Denmark, which suffered the highest per capita casualties among coalition forces in Afghanistan, exemplified this commitment through former platoon commander Martin Tamm Andersen’s reminder: ‘When America needed us after 9/11 we were there.’

    The remarks have prompted calls for diplomatic pushback, with Diane Dernie—mother of a severely injured British soldier—describing Trump’s comments as ‘the ultimate insult’ and urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to ‘make a stand for those who fought for this country.’