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  • Winter Olympics 2026: Australia has named its 53-strong team for the Milano Cortina Games

    Winter Olympics 2026: Australia has named its 53-strong team for the Milano Cortina Games

    Australia is poised to make a significant impact at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, having announced a powerhouse 53-athlete team that officials are calling one of the nation’s strongest winter contingents ever assembled.

    Chef de mission and Olympic gold medalist Alisa Camplin has boldly declared the end of Australia’s ‘sunburnt underdog’ status in winter sports, asserting that this team has earned the right to be considered genuine medal contenders on the world stage. The squad represents Australia’s second-largest Winter Olympics delegation, featuring a notable two-thirds female composition and including five teenage athletes who will make their Olympic debut.

    The team arrives in Italy riding an extraordinary wave of success from the World Cup circuit, having secured an impressive 26 medals during the recent season. This remarkable achievement underscores the dramatic evolution of Australia’s winter sports program since Camplin’s own Olympic appearance in Torino 2006, when the team hoped for perhaps a single medal.

    “The depth of this team is phenomenal,” Camplin stated, expressing visible excitement. “I literally get goosebumps thinking about how the next few weeks have the potential to change their lives. One in five athletes—20 percent of the team—has already medaled on the World Cup circuit.”

    While carefully avoiding specific medal predictions, Camplin emphasized that the Australians are prepared to “mix it with the best in the world” across multiple disciplines. The team builds upon the success of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, where Australia achieved a nation-record four medals (one gold, two silver, one bronze).

    Notable team members include five-time Olympian and snowboard half-pipe specialist Scotty James, who continues his pursuit of an elusive gold medal. The squad also features veterans like aerial skier Laura Peel (competing in her fourth Olympics) and emerging talents such as 16-year-old freeskier Indra Brown.

    Despite the overwhelming confidence, Camplin added a note of caution regarding the competitive nature of the Games, acknowledging that “it’s not going to be easy” while affirming the team’s commitment to “giving it a red-hot shot.”

    The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics commence on February 6, with Australian athletes competing across multiple disciplines including aerials, moguls, snowboard, skeleton, and the newly added ski mountaineering event.

  • UAE residents face cold weather snap but it will be short-lived: NCM expert

    UAE residents face cold weather snap but it will be short-lived: NCM expert

    Meteorological authorities in the United Arab Emirates have confirmed that current cold weather conditions affecting the nation will be transient rather than sustained. According to Mohammed Al Abri, Director of the Meteorology Department at the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), this climatic phenomenon represents a temporary deviation from the region’s typically pleasant winter patterns.

    The atmospheric shift has produced notably low temperatures across various Emirates, with Jebel Jais—the country’s highest peak—registering 0.2°C during early morning hours. More surprisingly, Raknah in Al Ain recorded 4°C, demonstrating that cold conditions aren’t exclusive to mountainous regions. Meteorological experts attribute this unusual distribution to specific topographical characteristics; basin-like valleys such as Raknah function as natural refrigeration units by trapping cold, dense air that descends from higher elevations during nocturnal hours.

    The primary driver behind this temperature decline is identified as strong north-westerly shamal winds, generated by high-pressure systems over the southern Arabian Gulf creating low-pressure gradients in eastern areas. These atmospheric currents transport cooler air masses across the peninsula, though coastal urban centers including Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman have maintained relatively moderate temperatures between 17°C and 17.3°C due to the moderating influence of humidity.

    Al Abri emphasized that while Wednesday’s winds contributed to perceptibly chilly conditions, meteorological models indicate gradual easing beginning Thursday. The NCM recommends that residents maintain standard cold-weather precautions during early morning and evening hours when exposed areas experience rapid temperature declines.

    From a broader climatological perspective, UAE winter characteristics demonstrate significant interannual variability influenced by global patterns including El Niño and La Niña phenomena. As Al Abri explained, La Niña phases typically correlate with colder, drier conditions in the region, while El Niño tendencies produce warmer, rainier winters through complex teleconnections between Pacific Ocean temperatures and worldwide weather systems.

    This meteorological event, while brief, offers scientists valuable insights into how local topography interacts with global climate patterns to create distinctive weather experiences across the Emirates’ diverse landscapes.

  • Trump says US wants ‘total access’ to Greenland

    Trump says US wants ‘total access’ to Greenland

    WASHINGTON – In a significant geopolitical development, former President Donald Trump has revealed ongoing negotiations for the United States to secure “total access” to Greenland without any temporal restrictions. The announcement came during a Thursday interview with Fox Business, where Trump characterized the discussions as actively progressing toward a comprehensive agreement.

    “We’re currently negotiating the specific details, but the fundamental principle is complete and perpetual access – no expiration date, no limitations,” Trump stated, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the proposed arrangement.

    The disclosure follows Trump’s Wednesday announcement regarding a preliminary framework agreement reached with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte concerning Greenland and broader Arctic regional strategy. This diplomatic progress prompted Trump to suspend previously threatened tariffs against eight European nations, which were scheduled to implement on February 1.

    However, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen swiftly countered Trump’s assertions, clarifying that Rutte lacks authorization to negotiate on behalf of Denmark or its autonomous territory. “Greenland’s future must be determined by Greenlanders themselves,” Frederiksen asserted on Thursday. “Our sovereignty is not subject to negotiation under any circumstances.”

    The emerging conflict highlights escalating great-power competition in the strategically vital Arctic region, where melting ice caps are opening new shipping routes and resource extraction opportunities. Greenland possesses substantial deposits of rare earth minerals and geopolitical significance due to its northern positioning.

    This development represents the latest chapter in Trump’s persistent interest in Greenland, which previously included a 2019 proposal to purchase the territory – an offer Denmark promptly dismissed as “absurd.” The current negotiations appear to pursue alternative arrangements that would grant the US extensive rights without formal territorial transfer.

    Diplomatic analysts suggest the proposal faces substantial obstacles given Denmark’s firm stance on Greenlandic self-determination and the complex trilateral relationship between the US, Denmark, and Greenland’s autonomous government.

  • Osaka tones down outfit and beats Cirstea to reach Australian Open third round

    Osaka tones down outfit and beats Cirstea to reach Australian Open third round

    Former champion Naomi Osaka secured her place in the Australian Open third round with a hard-fought 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 victory over Romania’s Sorana Cirstea on Thursday. The match marked a noticeable shift in the Japanese star’s court presentation, as she opted for a more conventional athletic ensemble compared to her headline-making first-round outfit.

    Osaka’s previous marine-themed attire, complete with pastel yellow tassels, white parasol, veil, and broad-brimmed hat, had generated significant attention throughout the tournament. The bold fashion choice drew commendations from fellow players and became an instant talking point at Melbourne Park.

    When questioned about the overwhelming response to her initial outfit, Osaka expressed surprise: ‘Honestly, not really. For me, it’s just something fun I love to do on the court. I don’t really talk that much but I like to express myself through clothes.’

    Despite her toned-down appearance for the second round, fans at Margaret Court Arena paid homage to Osaka’s distinctive style by wearing replica hats and veils. The four-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged their support, saying, ‘I’m really glad that you guys loved it. You guys look really cool by the way.’

    The match itself presented challenges for the 16th seed, who struggled initially with service breaks and unforced errors. After dropping the opening game, Osaka recovered to claim the first set. The experienced Cirstea, who announced this would be her final Australian Open before retiring at year’s end, fought back to level the match by taking the second set.

    The deciding set featured dramatic moments, including a medical timeout for Osaka while leading 3-1 and tension arising from Cirstea’s objection to Osaka’s motivational shouts between serves. Despite these interruptions, Osaka elevated her game with powerful groundstrokes to secure victory.

    Reflecting on the confrontation, Osaka commented: ‘(There were) apparently a lot of ‘come ons’ that she was angry about. I mean I tried to play well. I think I hit a lot of unforced errors but I tried my best. She’s a great player. I think this was her last Australian Open, so sorry she was mad about it.’

    Osaka now prepares to face Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis in the next round, continuing her campaign for a third Australian Open title following previous victories in 2019 and 2021.

  • Dubai real estate posts strongest year on record as market shifts toward sustainable growth

    Dubai real estate posts strongest year on record as market shifts toward sustainable growth

    Dubai’s property market achieved unprecedented milestones in 2025, registering a historic Dh546.8 billion in residential sales across 202,349 transactions according to Engel & Völkers Middle East’s Annual Market Report. This remarkable performance not only broke previous records but also signaled a fundamental transformation in market dynamics toward sustainable, fundamentals-driven growth.

    The market’s extraordinary expansion was characterized by broadening demand across all property segments and locations. Apartments continued to dominate transaction volumes, comprising 83% of all deals with 167,841 transactions valued at Dh328.5 billion – representing a 31.8% increase from 2024. This growth was fueled by robust off-plan activity alongside sustained demand in established communities, reflecting confidence in Dubai’s ongoing development pipeline.

    Off-plan sales emerged as a particularly significant driver, accounting for 64.8% of all residential transactions. This trend highlighted both persistent investor appetite and constrained availability of ready properties in the secondary market. Engel & Völkers emphasized that secondary market activity remained limited by supply constraints rather than weak demand.

    The villa segment demonstrated substantial growth with total sales value reaching Dh141.2 billion, a 30.5% year-on-year increase. Demand proved especially strong in the Dh4 million to Dh8 million price bracket, with families and long-term investors increasingly committing to new master-planned communities beyond traditional prime neighborhoods.

    Townhouses achieved record transaction volumes with 22,904 deals, increasing 4.6% from 2024, while sales value climbed to Dh74.4 billion. This performance underscored sustained demand for family-oriented housing options amid Dubai’s growing population and evolving lifestyle preferences.

    Dubai’s luxury property market remained exceptionally strong with 6,765 transactions exceeding Dh10 million. Palm Jumeirah maintained its leadership in the ultra-prime segment, while Jumeirah and La Mer consolidated their positions as key luxury hubs. The year witnessed several landmark transactions, including a Dh550 million off-plan penthouse at Bugatti Residences in Business Bay and a Dh425 million villa sale in Emirates Hills.

    Industry executives attributed Dubai’s market success to fundamental strengths including political stability, competitive tax environment, world-class infrastructure, and clear long-term vision. According to Daniel Hadi, Chief Executive of Engel & Völkers Middle East, 2025 represented a defining year that demonstrated both exceptional scale and evolving market maturity.

    Looking forward to 2026, market analysts anticipate a more selective phase characterized by consolidation and differentiated performance across segments. The overall outlook remains positive with expectations of stability, depth, and continued opportunity as growth becomes increasingly driven by sustainable fundamentals rather than transient momentum.

  • Trump sparks anger over claim Nato troops avoided Afghanistan front line

    Trump sparks anger over claim Nato troops avoided Afghanistan front line

    Former US President Donald Trump has ignited a diplomatic firestorm with controversial comments questioning NATO allies’ military contributions during the Afghanistan conflict. In a Fox News interview, Trump asserted that NATO forces remained “a little off the front lines” while American troops bore the brunt of combat operations.

    The remarks prompted immediate condemnation from across the British political spectrum. Labour MP Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs committee, denounced the statements as an “absolute insult” to the 457 British service personnel who lost their lives in Afghanistan. “How dare he say we weren’t on the front line?” Thornberry challenged during BBC’s Question Time, emphasizing that British forces had consistently supported American military objectives.

    Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, an Afghanistan veteran, expressed dismay at seeing “our nation’s sacrifice, and that of our NATO partners, held so cheaply.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey similarly condemned Trump’s commentary, noting the former president’s own avoidance of military service while questioning others’ sacrifices.

    The controversy emerges against the backdrop of NATO’s collective security response to the 9/11 attacks, which marked the only invocation of Article 5 in the alliance’s history. The UK contributed the second-largest contingent to the Afghanistan mission, suffering the highest casualties among NATO partners after the United States.

    Defence Secretary John Healey, speaking before Trump’s latest comments, had emphasized the shared sacrifice: “In Afghanistan, our forces trained together, they fought together, and on some occasions, they died together.” Military veterans including former RAF officer Calvin Bailey challenged Trump’s characterization, stating it bore “no resemblance to the reality experienced by those of us who served there.”

    The episode further complicates the already delicate transatlantic relationship as Trump positions himself for a potential return to the White House, with implications for NATO cohesion and future security cooperation.

  • Sharjah Islamic Bank proposes 20% cash dividend as it posts net profit of Dh1.3 billion for 2025

    Sharjah Islamic Bank proposes 20% cash dividend as it posts net profit of Dh1.3 billion for 2025

    Sharjah Islamic Bank has demonstrated remarkable financial resilience by announcing a net profit of Dh1.32 billion for fiscal year 2025, representing a substantial 26% increase from the previous year’s Dh1.05 billion. This outstanding performance has prompted the Board of Directors to recommend a generous 20% cash dividend distribution, significantly higher than the 15% payout in 2024, pending shareholder approval at the upcoming General Assembly.

    The bank’s financial expansion was particularly evident in its asset growth, with total assets surging by 14% to reach Dh90.3 billion, compared to Dh79.2 billion at the close of 2024. This robust growth was primarily fueled by a notable 19.6% increase in customer financing, which climbed to Dh45.6 billion from Dh38.1 billion in the preceding year.

    Revenue streams showed impressive diversification as income from Islamic financing investments and sukuk grew by 4.7% to approximately Dh3.9 billion. Meanwhile, net fees and commission income experienced exceptional growth, skyrocketing by 50% to reach Dh598.8 million. This contributed significantly to the bank’s total operating income, which expanded by 14% year-on-year to approximately Dh2.5 billion.

    Despite strategic investments in human capital development and technological infrastructure that pushed general and administrative expenses to Dh897.5 million (a 15.2% increase), the bank maintained strong operational efficiency. Operating income before impairment provisions grew by 13.3% to Dh1.6 billion, underscoring effective cost management practices.

    The institution’s risk management framework yielded substantial improvements, with net impairment on financial assets remaining stable at Dh217.0 million. Notably, the non-performing financing ratio decreased significantly to 3.8% from 4.9%, while the coverage ratio strengthened to 109% from 99.5%, reflecting enhanced portfolio quality.

    Customer deposits reached Dh55.7 billion, resulting in a healthy financing-to-deposit ratio of 81.8%. The bank maintained strong liquidity buffers at 22.3% of total assets, amounting to Dh20.2 billion. Profitability metrics showed consistent improvement, with return on average assets reaching 1.55% and return on average equity climbing to 14.78%.

    In a strategic move to bolster future growth, the Board approved a proposal to increase the bank’s capital, subject to regulatory approvals. This initiative will enable existing shareholders to subscribe to new shares, strengthening the capital base while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and supporting sustainable long-term returns.

  • Trump ‘engaged in criminal activity’, Jack Smith says in Capitol Hill testimony

    Trump ‘engaged in criminal activity’, Jack Smith says in Capitol Hill testimony

    In a landmark congressional hearing, former Special Counsel Jack Smith delivered his first public testimony regarding his criminal investigations of former President Donald Trump, asserting unequivocal responsibility for the January 6th Capitol riot. Appearing before lawmakers for five hours, Smith detailed the extensive evidence gathered against Trump in two major cases: alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and the unlawful retention of classified documents after leaving office.

    Smith testified that his team had compiled “overwhelming evidence” and possessed “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” that would have secured convictions in both cases before they were dropped following Trump’s return to the White House. The former special counsel characterized Trump as “the most culpable and most responsible person” in the conspiracy to interfere with the election certification process.

    “The attack that happened at the Capitol, part of this case, does not happen without him,” Smith stated. “The other co-conspirators were doing this for his benefit.”

    The hearing revealed sharp partisan divisions, with Republicans accusing Smith of conducting partisan investigations and allegedly spying on GOP lawmakers through subpoenas for phone records. Democrats, meanwhile, focused on Trump’s alleged wrongdoing and praised Smith’s investigative work.

    Smith addressed potential retaliation from the Trump administration, noting that the former president’s repeated statements were “meant to intimidate me” and served as “a warning to others.” He revealed that federal officials had opened an investigation into his conduct, though the specific focus remains unclear.

    Notably, Smith expressed bewilderment at Trump’s mass pardon of over 1,000 individuals convicted or accused of crimes related to the January 6th riot, many of whom had been charged with assaulting law enforcement officers. “I do not understand why you would mass pardon people who assaulted police officers,” he said. “I don’t get it. I never will.”

    The hearing was punctuated by emotional moments, particularly when four former Capitol Police officers seated behind Smith reacted visibly to lawmakers’ comments. Texas Republican Troy Nehls directly addressed the officers, blaming Capitol Police leadership rather than Trump for the riot, which prompted outbursts from the audience.

    While Smith testified, Trump posted extensively on social media from Switzerland, calling Smith a “deranged animal” who should be prosecuted and have his law license revoked. The former president accused Smith of destroying “many lives under the guise of legitimacy” and suggested Democrats should pay “a big price” for their actions.

  • Human rights groups condemn conviction of Filipina journalist for terrorism financing

    Human rights groups condemn conviction of Filipina journalist for terrorism financing

    A regional trial court in the Philippines has convicted community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio on terrorism financing charges, sentencing the 26-year-old to a minimum of 12 years imprisonment. The Thursday verdict marks the first prosecution of a Filipino journalist under the country’s anti-terror financing legislation, drawing immediate condemnation from press freedom advocates worldwide.

    While Cumpio and co-accused Marielle Domequil were acquitted of separate charges involving illegal possession of firearms and explosives, the terrorism conviction carries a potential 18-year sentence. The case stems from a February 2020 nighttime raid by Philippine troops who allegedly discovered incriminating items in her Tacloban City boarding house.

    International press freedom organizations have uniformly denounced the ruling. Reporters Without Borders (RSF), following its independent investigation, declared the verdict “a clear miscarriage of justice.” Aleksandra Bielakowska, RSF’s Asia-Pacific Advocacy Manager, stated: “We are appalled by this verdict. The evidence presented in court clearly shows how fabricated this case has been from the very beginning.”

    Human rights advocates characterize the conviction as part of a broader pattern of repression against activists and government critics. Cristina Palabay, secretary general of rights alliance Karapatan, told media outlets that the charges relied on “unreliable witnesses, speculative intelligence, and inconsistent narratives” regarding alleged financial support to rebel groups.

    Cumpio, who turns 27 on January 23, has been detained since her arrest nearly six years ago while serving as executive director of Eastern Vista news website and a radio news anchor. Her reporting focused extensively on alleged abuses by security forces and community welfare issues in Eastern Visayas.

    The case has raised concerns about the continuity of press freedom restrictions between Philippine administrations. Advocates are now calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to intervene, warning that without decisive action, his administration risks mirroring the press freedom record of his predecessor.

  • US unveils plans for ‘New Gaza’ with skyscrapers

    US unveils plans for ‘New Gaza’ with skyscrapers

    DAVOS, SWITZERLAND – The Trump administration has presented a comprehensive vision for the complete reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, dubbed the “New Gaza” plan, during a signing ceremony at the World Economic Forum. The ambitious proposal outlines a total transformation of the war-ravaged Palestinian territory into a modern urban and economic hub.

    The detailed master plan, presented by former President Donald Trump and senior advisor Jared Kushner, features extensive coastal skyscrapers, residential estates in Rafah, and designated zones for agriculture, industry, and technology. The blueprint includes 180 tower blocks for coastal tourism, over 100,000 permanent housing units, 200 educational centers, and 75 medical facilities. A new seaport and airport near the Egyptian border are planned, along with a “trilateral crossing” where Egyptian and Israeli borders converge.

    President Trump emphasized the strategic value of Gaza’s Mediterranean location, stating, “I’m a real estate person at heart and it’s all about location. Look at this beautiful piece of property. What it could be for so many people.” He expressed confidence that the project would achieve “great success.”

    The reconstruction would proceed in four phases, beginning in Rafah and expanding north toward Gaza City. A notable feature includes an empty security perimeter along the Egyptian and Israeli borders where Israeli forces will remain until “Gaza is properly secure.”

    Kushner revealed the staggering scale of destruction facing the project: 90,000 tonnes of munitions dropped on Gaza and 60 million tonnes of rubble requiring clearance. He announced that demolition and rubble removal operations have already commenced, with the “New Rafah” phase projected for completion within two to three years.

    The plan is intrinsically linked to the demilitarization of Hamas, with Trump warning, “They have to give up their weapons and if they don’t do that, it’s going to be the end of them.” Kushner added that the administration is pursuing “catastrophic success” without a “plan B,” noting that Hamas has signed an agreement to demilitarize.

    A Washington conference is scheduled in the coming weeks to announce international contributions and outline investment opportunities for the private sector. The newly established National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) will work with Hamas on demilitarization efforts.

    Despite the ceasefire that took effect in October, tensions remain. Five Palestinians were reportedly killed by Israeli fire on Thursday, highlighting the fragile nature of the current peace. Humanitarian conditions remain dire, with nearly 1 million people lacking adequate shelter and 1.6 million facing acute food insecurity according to UN estimates.

    International responses varied, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog praising Trump’s leadership while emphasizing that “the real test has to be Hamas leaving Gaza.” Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called for full implementation of the peace plan, including Israeli withdrawal, and a central role for the PA in administering Gaza.

    The Rafah border crossing with Egypt is scheduled to open next week in both directions, signaling what NCAG head Ali Shaath described as Gaza being “no longer closed to the future and to the war.”